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Gastrointestinal Research

IBD Mouse Models

Since 1998, ingenious targeting laboratory has supported inflammatory bowel disease research with custom mouse models enabling mechanistic studies of intestinal inflammation, mucosal immunity, and therapeutic interventions for Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.

IBD mouse models provide essential platforms for investigating the molecular pathways underlying chronic intestinal inflammation and developing therapies for millions of patients affected by these conditions.

2,500+
Projects Completed
800+
Publications
26+
Years Experience
100%
Success Rate

Spontaneous IBD Models

IL10 Knockout

Develops spontaneous colitis dependent on intestinal microbiota. Shows importance of regulatory cytokines.

IL2 Knockout

Autoimmune colitis with ulcerative colitis like features.

NOD2 Knockout/Knockin

Crohn disease associated gene. Patient derived variants model Crohn susceptibility.

ATG16L1 Hypomorph

Reduced ATG16L1 causes Paneth cell abnormalities resembling Crohn disease.

Induced Colitis Models

DSS (Dextran Sulfate Sodium)

Oral DSS damages epithelial barrier, causing acute colitis. Cycles produce chronic colitis.

TNBS

Rectal administration causes transmural inflammation resembling Crohn disease.

Oxazolone

Produces Th2 mediated colitis resembling ulcerative colitis.

CD45RBhigh T Cell Transfer

Transfer of naive CD4+ T cells causes chronic colitis. Models T cell mediated inflammation.

Cre Drivers for IBD Studies

Cre DriverTarget TissueApplication
Villin CreIntestinal epitheliumEpithelial barrier function
LysM CreMacrophages/neutrophilsMyeloid cell contributions
CD4 CreT lymphocytesT cell mediated inflammation
CD11c CreDendritic cellsAntigen presentation

Phenotyping IBD Models

Clinical Assessment

  • Body weight loss
  • Stool consistency
  • Occult blood
  • Disease activity index

Histological Assessment

  • H&E staining
  • Inflammation scoring
  • Crypt damage
  • Ulceration

Molecular Assessment

  • Cytokine expression (TNF, IL1B, IL6)
  • Barrier function (FITC dextran)
  • Microbiome analysis (16S sequencing)

What Researchers Say

I've been working with iTL over the past 5 years in the production of 3 different genetically altered mice. Not only did iTL help in the design of the mice, but the entire process was transparent with the opportunity at any time along the way to discuss my questions or concerns with scientists who had significant insight into the process. The mice were delivered on time, as billed!

Raghu Mirmira, MD, PhD

University of Chicago

✦ New for 2026

Breeding Scheme Architect

Plan complex multi-allele breeding strategies, calculate expected genotype ratios, and estimate time to experimental cohorts—all before starting your project.

Visualize multi-generation breeding paths
Calculate Mendelian ratios automatically
Estimate timeline to study-ready cohorts

Free Research Tool

No account required

Allele 1Gene-flox (conditional)
Allele 2Cre-driver (tissue-specific)
TargetHomozygous knockout

→ 3 generations to target genotype

Start Your IBD Model Project

Our scientific consultants can help design custom IBD models tailored to your research questions, whether studying barrier function, immune cell contributions, or therapeutic interventions.

Frequently asked questions

Common IBD Cre drivers include Villin Cre (intestinal epithelium), LysM Cre (macrophages and neutrophils), CD4 Cre (T lymphocytes), and CD11c Cre (dendritic cells). Selection depends on whether you are studying epithelial barrier function, immune cell contributions, or combined mechanisms.

IBD phenotypes vary dramatically with genetic background. C57BL/6 shows Th1 biased responses and is standard for many models. BALB/c shows Th2 biased responses with different disease characteristics. Consistent background use within studies is critical.

Yes. IBD models can be combined with gnotobiotic approaches to control microbiome composition. DSS or TNBS models can be used in gnotobiotic mice to study specific microbial contributions. Antibiotic treatment can also modify microbiome in IBD models.

IBD phenotyping includes clinical assessment (body weight, stool consistency, occult blood), histological analysis (inflammation scoring, crypt damage), endoscopic assessment, and molecular endpoints (cytokine expression, barrier function assays, microbiome analysis).

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