Which type of immune cells do athymic nude mice lack?

Athymic nude mice are specifically characterized by the absence of a thymus, which is critical for the development of T cells. The thymus is responsible for the maturation of T cells from precursor cells that originate in the bone marrow. Without a functioning thymus, these immature T cells cannot develop into the various types of mature T cells that play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response.

While athymic nude mice may still possess some other immune cells, such as B cells and natural killer cells, the complete lack of T cells is what distinguishes them from normal mice. This deficiency significantly impacts their immune response, making them susceptible to infections and limiting their use in certain types of immunological research.

Understanding this specific immune deficiency in athymic nude mice allows researchers to utilize them in various experimental settings, particularly in studies related to cancer and immunology, where T cell function is a key variable.