Key result
DTR-mediated conditional cell ablation is a valuable strategy for defining specific cell functions in murine models, despite technical pitfalls that require future strategies to overcome.
This review provides a methodological overview of DTR-mediated conditional cell ablation for studying specific cell functions in murine models.
Supports DTR ablation for murine cell studies; leaves open strategies to overcome technical pitfalls.
Cell ablation is a valuable complement to mutagenesis for experimentally defining specific cell functions in physiology and pathophysiology in small animal models. One of the most popular ablation strategies involves transgenic expression of a primate diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) on murine cells that are otherwise resistant to the bacterial exotoxin. The efforts of many laboratories using the DTR approach over the years have yielded numerous valuable insights into specific cell functions. Here, we will discuss the technical aspects of the DTR approach, including the strengths, pitfalls, and future strategies to overcome the shortcomings, highlighting a recent paper published in the European Journal of Immunology [El Hachem et al. Eur. J. Immunol. 2018 https://doi.org/10.1002/eji.201747351]. A particular focus will be given to the application of DTR approach to decipher in vivo functions of the murine myeloid cell compartment.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ruedl et al. (2018) reported a review. DTR-mediated conditional cell ablation was evaluated. DTR-mediated conditional cell ablation is a valuable strategy for defining specific cell functions in murine models, despite technical pitfalls that require future strategies to overcome.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: