Pronunciation: [sˈɪd hˈuː mˈa͡ʊs] (IPA) 
The spelling of the term "SCID hu Mouse" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. "SCID" is pronounced as /skɪd/ which represents the sounds of "sk" as in "skate", "ɪ" as in "sit", and "d" as in "dog". "Hu" is pronounced as /hju/ with the sounds of "h" as in "hat", "j" as in "jump", and "u" as in "use". "Mouse" is pronounced as /maʊs/ with the sounds of "m" as in "map", "aʊ" as in "out", and "s" as in "sun".
The SCID hu mouse, also known as the SCID (severe combined immunodeficient) mouse, is a type of laboratory mouse strain that is genetically engineered to be immunodeficient. It is widely used in biomedical research to study various aspects of human immunology and infectious diseases. The term "SCID hu" is derived from "SCID" referring to the mouse's lack of functional immune system and "hu" denoting the human-derived components employed in the mice.
The SCID hu mouse is created by introducing mutations in genes responsible for immune system development, resulting in a deficiency in both B and T lymphocytes, which are essential components of the adaptive immune response. Consequently, these mice lack the ability to produce antibodies or mount specific immune responses against pathogens, making them highly suitable for studying human immune system components and diseases.
To provide an environment for human immune cell engraftment, SCID hu mice are typically implanted with human tissues, such as fetal liver, thymus, or hematopoietic stem cells, to support the development and function of human immune cells. This allows the mouse to mimic certain aspects of the human immune system. Researchers can then investigate the interactions between human immune cells and infectious agents, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, or explore the efficacy of potential therapeutic interventions.
In conclusion, the SCID hu mouse is an immunodeficient laboratory mouse model commonly used in research to examine human immune system functions, infectious diseases, and therapeutic applications. Its lack of functional immune response and ability to support engraftment of human immune cells makes it a valuable tool in biomedical research.
