Nalm-6 Xenograft Model Overview
The Nalm-6 xenograft model is derived from a human B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cell line originally established from the bone marrow of a 19-year-old patient with relapsed leukemia. As a representative of pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Nalm-6 maintains key phenotypic and genetic characteristics of early B-cell lineage leukemias and is widely used in translational research to evaluate chemotherapy regimens, test antibody-drug conjugates, and develop immunotherapeutic approaches, including CAR-T and bispecific T-cell engagers. Its high engraftment capacity and consistent tumor progression in murine hosts make Nalm-6 a reliable model for studying disease biology and treatment resistance in B-ALL.
Request a Custom Quote for Nalm-6 Xenograft ModelBiological and Molecular Characteristics
Nalm-6 cells display a non-adherent, round suspension morphology and express markers typical of early B-lineage commitment, including CD10, CD19, CD22, CD38, and HLA-DR, while lacking surface immunoglobulin expression. These cells are positive for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), consistent with an immature lymphoblastic phenotype. Nalm-6 is wild-type for the p53 gene and does not express the BCR-ABL1 fusion commonly seen in Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemias, although it carries multiple chromosomal abnormalities involving chromosomes 12 and 14. Notably, the cell line has high sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents due to intact DNA repair mechanisms and serves as a useful comparator in studies exploring double-strand break repair and checkpoint response pathways.
| Characteristic | Nalm-6 Cell Line Profile |
|---|---|
| Disease Origin | B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) |
| Immunophenotype | CD10⁺, CD19⁺, CD22⁺, TdT⁺, HLA-DR⁺ |
| Fusion Genes | Negative for BCR-ABL1 |
| p53 Status | Wild-type |
| Differentiation Status | Pre-B cell |
| Genetic Alterations | Abnormalities on chromosomes 12 and 14 |
In Vivo Model Development and Tumorigenicity
Nalm-6 xenografts are typically developed by intravenous injection into immunodeficient mouse strains such as NSG or NOD/SCID, leading to disseminated leukemia that mirrors the human disease phenotype. Leukemic cells engraft in the bone marrow, spleen, and peripheral blood, with measurable disease burden observed within 3–4 weeks post-injection. The model exhibits high reproducibility in systemic dissemination and provides a robust platform for assessing leukemia progression, CNS involvement, and minimal residual disease (MRD). Subcutaneous implantation is less commonly employed but can yield localized tumor growth suitable for volume-based drug response measurements. Pre-conditioning with low-dose irradiation may enhance bone marrow niche engraftment.
Request a Custom Quote for Nalm-6 Xenograft ModelHistopathology and Immunohistochemical Profile
Histological evaluation of Nalm-6 xenografts reveals sheets of small, round lymphoblasts with condensed chromatin, scant cytoplasm, and frequent mitotic figures. Hematoxylin and eosin staining highlights uniform leukemic infiltration of hematopoietic tissues, with preservation of organ architecture in early stages. Immunohistochemistry confirms strong nuclear staining for TdT and robust expression of CD19 and CD10, confirming the B-cell precursor identity. Spleen and bone marrow sections from systemic models exhibit dense leukemic involvement, with CNS infiltration occasionally observed in advanced disease stages, mimicking key aspects of high-risk pediatric B-ALL.
Preclinical Applications and Drug Response
The Nalm-6 xenograft model is extensively utilized in evaluating chemotherapeutics such as vincristine, dexamethasone, methotrexate, and L-asparaginase, as well as newer agents targeting cell cycle regulators and apoptotic pathways. Its defined immunophenotype makes it highly suitable for immunotherapy studies, including anti-CD19 CAR-T therapies, CD22-targeted antibody-drug conjugates, and bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs). Nalm-6 is also used in radiobiology research due to its DNA repair competence and sensitivity to genotoxic stress. The model provides a clinically relevant system for testing resistance mechanisms, relapse kinetics, and pharmacodynamics in early B-lineage ALL.
Request This Model
To include the Nalm-6 xenograft model in your preclinical leukemia studies or to support immunotherapy development for B-ALL, contact our team to access detailed specifications and guidance on designing systemic or localized efficacy studies tailored to your research objectives.
Request a Custom Quote for Nalm-6 Xenograft Model