WEHI-164 Syngeneic Model Overview
The WEHI-164 syngeneic model is a murine fibrosarcoma system derived from BALB/c mice. It is a well-established and moderately immunogenic model frequently used to study tumor immunology, cytokine therapy, and macrophage activation. WEHI-164 tumors exhibit consistent growth kinetics, stable morphology, and a well-defined immune microenvironment, making this system highly valuable for preclinical immunotherapy and inflammation-related cancer research.
When implanted subcutaneously or intramuscularly, WEHI-164 cells form solid tumors with reproducible progression and moderate vascularization. The model has been used extensively in evaluating anti-tumor agents, T-cell–mediated cytotoxicity, and the role of macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells in tumor surveillance. Its defined immunological properties and reproducibility make WEHI-164 one of the most dependable fibrosarcoma models for translational oncology studies.
Request a Custom Quote for WEHI-164 Syngeneic ModelBiological and Molecular Characteristics
The WEHI-164 cell line originated from a methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma in a BALB/c mouse. The tumor cells exhibit fibroblast-like morphology and express vimentin, confirming mesenchymal lineage. Compared with the MethA fibrosarcoma, WEHI-164 displays slower growth kinetics and intermediate immunogenicity, allowing precise modulation of immune response in experimental settings.
The tumor microenvironment of WEHI-164 is composed of fibroblasts, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T lymphocytes, accompanied by regulatory immune elements that maintain partial immune suppression. The model produces a range of cytokines, including IL-6, TGF-beta, and TNF-alpha, reflecting an inflammatory and immunoregulatory balance typical of fibrosarcoma. This composition provides a physiologically relevant system for exploring cytokine signaling, macrophage reprogramming, and the enhancement of immune-mediated tumor clearance.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Host strain | BALB/c (female, 6–8 weeks) |
| Tumor origin | Chemically induced fibrosarcoma (mouse) |
| Histological type | Fibrosarcoma |
| Inoculation route | Subcutaneous or intramuscular |
| Tumor take rate | >90% |
| Doubling time | Approximately 4–6 days in vivo |
| Metastatic potential | Low; local invasion only |
| Immunophenotype | Moderately immunogenic; macrophage and T-cell infiltration |
| Common applications | Immunotherapy, cytokine studies, macrophage modulation, vaccine testing |
In Vivo Model Development and Tumorigenicity
WEHI-164 tumors are typically established by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of viable tumor cells into immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Tumors develop within 7–10 days, showing uniform growth and reproducible kinetics across experimental groups. The subcutaneous model is preferred for drug screening and immune checkpoint studies due to the ease of tumor measurement, while intramuscular implantation more closely mimics the stromal architecture and vascularization of soft tissue sarcomas.
Because WEHI-164 tumors exhibit intermediate immunogenicity, they are particularly useful for evaluating immunotherapies that require partial immune activation without complete rejection. The model supports the study of macrophage activation, cytokine-mediated anti-tumor effects, and adoptive cell therapy. Its predictable tumor establishment and moderate progression rate make it suitable for both short- and long-term studies of immune modulation and combination therapy efficacy.
Request a Custom Quote for WEHI-164 Syngeneic ModelHistopathology and Immunohistochemical Profile
Histopathological analysis of WEHI-164 tumors reveals spindle-shaped fibroblast-like cells arranged in bundles and interwoven fascicles, typical of fibrosarcoma morphology. The tumors display moderate vascularization and areas of necrosis surrounded by proliferative tumor cells. Inflammatory infiltrates, including lymphocytes and macrophages, are present at the tumor periphery and within the stroma.
Immunohistochemical staining demonstrates strong vimentin expression and high Ki-67 positivity, consistent with the model’s proliferative and mesenchymal nature. F4/80 and CD11b staining confirm the presence of macrophages and myeloid-derived cells, while CD3 and CD8 identify T-cell infiltration, albeit limited in number. PD-L1 expression is moderate and can be upregulated following exposure to interferon or immunotherapy. The histological and immunological features of WEHI-164 reflect the partial immune responsiveness of this fibrosarcoma system, making it highly applicable to mechanistic studies of immune activation and suppression.
Preclinical Applications and Drug Response
The WEHI-164 syngeneic model is frequently used to evaluate immunotherapeutic agents, including cytokine therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and macrophage modulators. It has demonstrated sensitivity to IL-2, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha, as well as responsiveness to therapies that activate macrophages or enhance T-cell cytotoxicity. The model has also been widely used to investigate the effects of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and other chemotherapeutics in combination with immune-based treatments.
Because WEHI-164 tumors grow reliably and maintain a partially immune-permissive environment, they are often used to study the balance between immune activation and tolerance. The model is also valuable for evaluating novel vaccine formulations and adjuvants that stimulate T-cell and macrophage responses. Its moderate growth rate, reproducibility, and defined immune characteristics make WEHI-164 a versatile and translationally relevant model for fibrosarcoma research and preclinical immunotherapy development.
Request This Model
To request the WEHI-164 syngeneic model for your preclinical studies, please use the form below. A customized quote and additional model specifications will be provided upon inquiry.
Request a Custom Quote for WEHI-164 Syngeneic Model