Taconic Biosciences Launches New Microbiome Service to Increase Translatability of Research Mice

Recent studies in both humans and mice have shown that the response to treatment, like immunotherapies, may be dependent on the composition of the microbiome. However, the gut microbiome of standard laboratory mice is usually devoid of common microorganisms and may therefore not be the most replicative model for human gut microbiome profiles. In order to have a more translatable model, researchers have begun utilizing wild mouse gut microbiota in their research mice, to better mimic a human microbiome. This discrepancy between natural and laboratory microbiome profiles has notable impacts on not only microbiome studies, but also investigations targeting the immune system, including drug discovery efforts. 

The Wild Mouse Microbiome (WildR) is often an excellent option for researchers who wish to increase the translatability of their study mice.

The WildR profile is fully characterized, licensed, and has been successfully validated in multiple research studies. In a paper published in Science earlier this year, mice harboring the wild mouse gut microbiota were found to be better at recapitulating the immune response and immune-related adverse events when compared to standard laboratory mice treated with a CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB).  

Taconic Biosciences is offering three comprehensive packages with standard legal terms.

Each package includes a 3-year license for Wild Mouse Microbiome. 

• Package 1: 2 vials of frozen microbiota material is shipped directly to the customer. The customer performs the association at the end-facility using germ-free mice or any other mouse strain of interest.
• Package 2: Taconic associates three breeding pairs of germ-free mice with the WildR microbiota by fecal microbiota transfer. The 3 male and 3 female WildR mice (6-12 weeks of age) are then shipped to the customer’s facility.
• Package 3: Taconic associates three breeding pairs of germ-free mice with the WildR microbiota by fecal microbiota transfer. The WildR-associated animals are then setup for breeding, pups are weaned, and PCR-based health testing is performed. The original WildR mice (18-24 weeks of age) and approximately 6-18 WildR mouse offsprings (6-12 weeks of age) are shipped to the customer. A health report is included.