germ-free

synonym: gnotobiotic
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13170
Descriptor applied to animals (usually mice) raised in the complete absence of intestinal and other microorganisms.
Note: Such mice have very depleted immune systems, but they can respond normally to any specific antigen, provided it is mixed with a strong adjuvant.
Source:
PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. (IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)) on page 1169 [Terms] [Paper]
Citation: 'germ-free' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13170 RIS BibTex EndNote
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