The present disclosure relates to genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice deficient in murine class I MHC molecules, class II molecules, or both class I and class II MHC molecules. The MHC knockout transgenic mice provided herein are useful, for example, for developing therapies for diabetes.

The present invention provides novel drug discovery platforms and methods for treating diabetes.

Non-human animals, cells, methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the non-human animals and cells comprise a humanized B-cell activating factor gene. Non-human animals and cells that express a human or humanized B-cell activating factor protein from an endogenous B-cell activating factor locus are described.

The present invention provides novel drug discovery platforms and methods for treating type I diabetes.

It was found that bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon. Moreover, the present inventors found that regulatory T cells (Treg cells) induced by from these bacteria suppressed proliferation of effector T-cells. From these findings, the present inventors found that the use of bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium or a physiologically active substance derived therefrom made it possible to induce proliferation or accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and further to suppress immune functions.

It was found that bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon. Moreover, the present inventors found that regulatory T cells (Treg cells) induced by from these bacteria suppressed proliferation of effector T-cells. From these findings, the present inventors found that the use of bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium or a physiologically active substance derived therefrom made it possible to induce proliferation or accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and further to suppress immune functions.

Provided herein is a recombinant or transgenic non-human mammal comprising a nucleic acid encoding a mutant three-prime exonuclease 1 (three prime repair exonuclease 1; TREX1), and in particular aspects the mammal expresses the mutant Trex1 protein. The non-human mammal is useful for identifying candidate compounds for the treatment of autoimmune disease (in human or animal, typically mammalian) subjects. Another aspect of the invention is, accordingly, a method for identifying candidate compounds for the treatment of autoimmune disease or disorder comprising: providing the recombinant non-human mammal; administering a test substance to the recombinant non-human mammal; and determining whether said test substance reduces at least one indicia of autoimmune disease in said mammal, wherein a reduction in said at least one indicia indicates said test substance is a candidate compound for the treatment of autoimmune disease.

The present invention relates to an animal model of myasthenia gravis, and to uses thereof.

Disclosed herein are methods for treating type 1 diabetes by reversing autoimmunity and replenishing beta cells. More specifically, type 1 diabetes is treated by administering exogenous Sox9+ cells and a low dose of gastrin and epidermal growth factor (GE) under hyperglycemia or medium hyperglycemia condition during or after induction of mixed chimerism in a subject.

Humanized mouse models and methods are provided for determining whether administration of an immunomodulatory drug likely elicits a severe cytokine release syndrome in a human. Humanized mouse models and methods are also provided for determining the immunotoxicity in a human of a drug candidate or of drug combinations.