Genetic Manipulation of Apoptosis Pathways in Mice

Mice with a deleted allele of caspase-8 were generated by germ line deletion of a previously-described caspase-8^flox allele2 (link). RIPK3 deficient animals were obtained from Vishva Dixit21 (link). Genotypes were confirmed by tail snip PCR as previously described. For Jo2 injections, animals were injected via tail vein with 15µg purified Jo2 in LPS-free PBS per animal. Liver enzymes were assayed using a Trilogy Multi-Purpose Analyzer System from Drew Scientific, and liver sections were created and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, in the St Jude Veterinary Pathology Core facility. For SEB injections, 50µg SEB (Toxin Technology Inc.) per animal was injected via tail vein and T-cell populations were monitored by retro-orbital bleed and FACS as detailed previously. The St. Jude Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved all procedures in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Animals.