Humanized mouse models—particularly NSG mice—are indispensable tools in immunology, oncology, and regenerative medicine. They enable in vivo evaluation of human immune development, stem cell function, and therapeutic response.
But the reliability of these models hinges on one critical factor: the quality of the RUO CD34+ cells used for engraftment.
The Hidden Cost of Poor Cell Sourcing
Not all CD34+ cells are created equal. Low-quality, stressed, or bead-labeled cell preparations can lead to delayed or inconsistent engraftment, poor early kinetics, and unpredictable immune reconstitution.
For researchers, the consequences are significant:
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Weeks of lost study time
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Increased animal usage
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Thousands of dollars in avoidable costs
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Questionable translational relevance
When animal studies are this resource-intensive, cell sourcing validation is not optional—it’s essential.
A Practical Validation Checklist for RUO CD34+ Cells Sourcing
Before committing to a CD34+ cell sourcing for humanized mouse studies, researchers should demand transparency and data. Key questions include:
1. Source Transparency
Are donor eligibility, tissue source (cord blood vs. peripheral or mobilized blood), and handling conditions clearly disclosed?
2. Isolation Method
Was a column-based or column-free approach used? Was Ficoll or other harsh pre-processing involved?
3. Bead Status
Are cells bead-free or bead-labeled? Bead-free cells are strongly preferred for accurate early engraftment kinetics.
4. Viability and Functional Potency
Is post-thaw viability ≥90%? Are functional CD34+ counts per vial reported—not just total CD34+ numbers?
5. Engraftment Validation
Is there evidence of early (2–4 week) engraftment, long-term persistence, and direct head-to-head comparisons?
6. Reproducibility
Is performance consistent across donor lots, or does engraftment vary unpredictably?
Raising the Standard for Humanized Mouse Studies
FerroBio sets a higher benchmark by delivering standardized, bead-free RUO CD34+ cells with demonstrated improvements in engraftment performance. Each vial is qualified against strict criteria for viability, functional potency, and lot-to-lot reproducibility—helping researchers protect both their data integrity and their investment in animal studies.
When humanized mouse models are built on rigorously validated cells, the results are clearer, faster, and far more reliable.