CT26 Mouse Model Overview
The CT26 tumor model is a well-established syngeneic colorectal carcinoma model derived from murine colon carcinoma cells and implanted in immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Known for its high immunogenicity and strong responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors, CT26 is widely used for evaluating immunotherapies and combination treatment strategies. This model provides a robust platform for studying tumor–immune system interactions, supporting both mechanistic research and translational development.
Why Choose the CT26 Syngeneic Mouse Model?
- Immunocompetent system – Enables evaluation of therapies in the presence of a fully functional immune system
- Checkpoint pathway relevance – Supports robust evaluation of PD-1 and CTLA-4 targeted therapies
- Immunogenic tumor microenvironment – Allows investigation of immune activation and TIL-driven responses
- Rational combination strategies – Enables development and optimization of combination immunotherapies
- Translationally predictive biology – Provides proof-of-concept insights into immune-mediated tumor response
CT26 Colon Carcinoma Tumor Model Characteristics
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Tumor Type | Colon carcinoma |
| Cell Line | CT26 |
| Mouse Strain | BALB/c |
| Immune Status | Fully immunocompetent |
| ICI Sensitivity | Sensitive to PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade |
| Notable Traits | Immunogenic; strong response to combination therapy |
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Immunotherapy Response Profile of CT26 Tumor Model
The CT26 model demonstrates robust sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibition, making it a benchmark for evaluating immuno-oncology agents.
- Anti-PD-1 – Moderate to strong antitumor activity
- Anti-CTLA-4 – No significant monotherapy activity
- Combination (Anti-PD-1 + Anti-CTLA-4) – Enhanced, synergistic antitumor response
This profile supports CT26 as a preferred model for combination therapy development and immune activation studies.
CT26: Anti-CTLA-4 (4F10) / Anti-PD-1 (RMP1-14)
Early dose initiation of anti-PD-1 produces strong combination
Figure 1: Therapeutic resistance in the CT26 model.
Study Capabilities
In Vivo
- Subcutaneous tumor implantation, orthotopic, and growth monitoring
- Evaluation of treatment response in established tumors
- Combination therapy
Dosing Routes
- Intravenous (tail vein), intraperitoneal, oral, subcutaneous, and intratumoral administration
Pharmacodynamic and Immune Analysis
- Tumor-infiltrating leukocyte (TIL) profiling via flow cytometry
- Cytokine and protein analysis (ELISA, Luminex)
- Gene expression analysis (qPCR, QuantiGene) and RNA sequencing
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Ideal Applications for CT26 Mouse Model
- Evaluation of immune checkpoint inhibitors and IO combinations
- Investigation of immune activation and tumor rejection mechanisms
- Testing combination strategies with radiation
- Benchmarking efficacy in immunogenic tumor models
Related Capabilities
- Flow Cytometry & Immune Profiling – Detailed analysis of immune cell populations
- Cytokine & Protein Assays – ELISA and Luminex platforms
- Gene Expression Analysis – qPCR and QuantiGene technologies
- In Vivo Imaging – Longitudinal tumor monitoring
- Cell-Based Assays – Proliferation and potency testing
- Standard-of-Care Integration – Combination with chemotherapy and irradiation models
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