Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation without irradiation

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is limited by histocompatibility barriers and by lack of space in bone marrow niches. These obstacles prevent in vivo analysis of histoincompatible mutant stem cells and of HSC functions in non-irradiated mice. By genetically combining immunodeficiency with impaired function of the growth factor receptor Kit in mice, we generated a 'universal' HSC recipient that efficiently accepts long-term histocompatible and histoincompatible HSCs without prior irradiation.