Differential response to colitis induction is observed in germ-free animals relative to those with an endogenous (normal) microbiome. Evaluation of colitis phenotypes in germ-free mice enables assessment of phenotypes’ dependency on a constitutive microbiome, whether due to the microbiome itself or due to other immunological effects. We can also use germ free animals to create custom microbiome colonized mice using your selected bacterial species or consortium. Data from the acute DSS model induced in germ-free mice is shown. Germ-free animals are housed in germ-free isolators, with germ-free husbandry practices as described in.

• C57Bl/6 Mice

• Percent weight change
• Survival
• Endoscopy: colitis severity and stool consistency scoring
• Terminal colon weight and length measurement

• Disease Activity Index: diarrhea and blood in stool scoring
• Terminal histopathology and/or IHC analyses
• Colon cytokines
• Colon myeloperoxidase (MPO)
• Fecal LCN2, calprotectin, & MPO
• Bacterial load (culture/qPCR)
• Sequencing and metagenomics
• Peripheral lymphoid organ immunophenotyping
• Intestinal lamina propria immunophenotyping
• Custom assays