Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease primarily produced in the liver but expressed in other tissues, including the intestine, heart, and neurons. The N-terminal domain of the PCSK9 protein is responsible for protein localization and stability, while the C-terminal domain is responsible for protein enzymatic activity ^[1]. The Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is a receptor that is responsible for clearing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from the blood. PCSK9 cleaves the intracellular domain of LDLR on the cell surface, causing it to detach from the cell membrane and be transported to the lysosome for degradation, promoting LDLR degradation, and increasing plasma LDL-C. Overexpression or gain-of-function mutations of the PCSK9 gene can lead to LDL-C accumulation by reducing LDLR levels. This can cause hypercholesterolemia, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease ^[2]. PCSK9 has become an important target for the development of lipid-lowering drugs. Several PCSK9-targeted antibodies or small nucleic acid drugs have been approved for marketing worldwide, including evolocumab from Amgen, alirocumab from Sanofi and Regeneron, and inclisiran from Novartis. These drugs primarily work by inhibiting PCSK9 activity or preventing PCSK9 protein from binding to LDLR, lowering LDL-C levels in the blood to treat hypercholesterolemia ^[3-4]. In addition, PCSK9 can promote tumor growth and development by regulating cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. It can also regulate the expression of inflammatory factors that contribute to inflammation. Therefore, targeting the expression of PCSK9 has been investigated in tumor immunotherapy and autoimmune disease therapy ^[5-6]. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a lipid particle-associated polymorphic carrier protein encoded by the APOE gene. It is a core component of plasma lipoproteins, participating in the production, transport, and clearance of lipoproteins. ApoE is associated with chylomicrons, chylomicron remnants, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), especially showing preferential binding to HDL ^[7]. ApoE is the most important lipid transport protein in the body, having a profound impact on lipid metabolism. The interaction of ApoE with the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is essential for the normal processing (catabolism) of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins ^[8]. In peripheral tissues, ApoE is primarily produced by the liver and macrophages and mediates cholesterol metabolism. In the central nervous system, ApoE is produced mainly by astrocytes and is the major cholesterol carrier in the brain. ApoE is essential for transporting cholesterol from astrocytes to neurons ^[7-10]. In addition, ApoE forms a complex with activated C1q, becoming a checkpoint inhibitor target of the classical complement pathway ^[11]. Polymorphisms of the APOE are associated with Alzheimer's disease and lipid accumulation, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, high cholesterolemia, etc., and are related to the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. The B6-hPCSK9/Apoe KO mice are obtained by crossing B6-hPCSK9 mice (Catalog No.: C001617) with B6J-Apoe KO mice (Catalog No.: C001507). B6J-Apoe KO mice exhibit elevated cholesterol levels and spontaneous atherosclerosis phenotypes due to the disruption of ApoE protein synthesis, further exacerbated under a high-fat diet (HFD). On the other hand, B6-hPCSK9 mice have the mouse Pcsk9 gene sequence replaced with the human PCSK9 gene sequence through gene editing technology, expressing the human PCSK9 protein. They can be used for the development of PCSK9-targeted drugs in hyperlipidemia, stroke, coronary heart disease, and other atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). The B6-hPCSK9/Apoe KO mice, while expressing the human PCSK9 protein, exhibit significantly elevated cholesterol levels and spontaneous atherosclerosis characteristics. These mice provide an ideal platform for the PCSK9-targeted drug development in hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases, demonstrating good clinical and pathological relevance.

Inhibin βE subunit (INHBE) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, highly specifically expressed in liver cells. The precursor protein of INHBE generates the inhibin β subunit after proteolytic processing. This protein is associated with various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, immune response, and hormone secretion. During the development of obesity and diabetes, the expression of INHBE protein inhibits the proliferation and growth of relevant cells in the pancreas and liver. Research has found a positive correlation between INHBE expression in the liver and insulin resistance and body mass index (BMI), suggesting that INHBE may be a liver factor in altering systemic metabolic status under conditions of obesity-related insulin resistance ^[1]. The studies conducted by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and the Regeneron Genetics Center (RGC), respectively, revealed the close relationship between INHBE and fat regulation. The research demonstrated that rare loss-of-function variants in INHBE may protect the liver from the impact of inflammation, abnormal blood lipids, and type 2 diabetes by promoting healthy fat storage. Patients carrying such mutations exhibit more normal fat distribution, significantly reduced abdominal fat, improved metabolic conditions, and a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes ^[2-4]. These findings suggest that INHBE is a liver-specific negative regulator of fat storage. Inhibiting the expression of INHBE genes and proteins may be a potential strategy for treating metabolic disorders related to improper fat distribution and storage. Consequently, several small nucleic acid pharmaceutical companies, including Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, and Wave Life Sciences, are currently developing RNA interference (RNAi) drugs targeting INHBE to treat obesity ^[5-7]. The leptin (LEP) gene, also known as the OB gene, encodes the leptin protein, which is secreted into the circulation by white adipocytes and plays a major role in regulating energy homeostasis. Circulating leptin binds to leptin receptors (LEPR) in the brain, activating downstream signaling pathways that inhibit feeding and promote energy expenditure. Leptin also has multiple endocrine functions and is involved in physiopathological processes such as immune and inflammatory responses, hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, reproduction, bone formation, and wound healing ^[8]. Mutations in the LEP gene and its regulatory regions lead to severe obesity and morbid obesity with hypogonadism in humans and are also associated with the development of type II diabetes ^[9]. The B6-hINHBE/ob mouse model, generated by mating B6-hINHBE mice (Catalog Number: C001533) with Lep KO (ob/ob) mice (Catalog Number: C001368), is a metabolic disease model. It can be used for research on obesity, type II diabetes, and metabolic diseases related to improper fat distribution and storage, and for the development of human INHBE-targeted therapies.

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PDCD1/PD-1) is a member of the B7-CD28 costimulatory receptor family. It is an inhibitory receptor expressed on activated T cells and plays a role in regulating the function of effector T cells, including CD8+ T cells, and promoting the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into regulatory T cells. PD-1 is expressed in a variety of tumors and plays an important role in antitumor immunity. In addition, PD-1 is involved in the defense against autoimmune diseases and has inhibitory effects on antitumor and antimicrobial immunity ^[1]. PD-1 binds to programmed death ligands 1 and 2 (PD-L1 and PD-L2) to inhibit T cell activation, reduce the production of corresponding cytokines, and regulate T cell survival ^[2]. Drugs targeting this pathway can reactivate T cells to activate antitumor immune responses ^[3]. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) family is a group of particular endothelial growth factors intimately associated with angiogenesis. These factors promote increased vascular permeability, extracellular matrix degeneration, vascular endothelial cell migration and proliferation, and are capable of stimulating angiogenesis and increasing the permeability of existing vessels. As such, they play a pivotal role in normal vascular development and wound healing. The VEGF family comprises VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFD, VEGFE, and PLGF ^[4]. Of these, VEGFA is the most commonly targeted in research related to neovascular ophthalmic diseases due to its crucial role in the proliferation, migration, and formation of endothelial cell microvessels ^[5]. Overexpression of VEGFA in the eye can result in abnormal vascular growth and leakage, leading to various ophthalmic diseases such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), and corneal neovascularization ^[5-6]. The progression of solid tumors depends on vascularization and angiogenesis within malignant tissues, with VEGFA playing a crucial role among various pro-angiogenic factors. The VEGFA gene is upregulated in many known tumors, correlating with tumor staging and progression. Blocking VEGFA may lead to vascular network regression, inhibiting tumor growth ^[7]. Thus, VEGFA is an important target for anti-angiogenic cancer therapies. The B6-hPD-1/hVEGFA mouse is a humanized model obtained by crossbreeding hPD-1 mice (Catalog No. C001524) with B6-hVEGFA mice (Catalog No. C001555). This model can be used for research in drug development, efficacy and safety evaluation, tumor immunotherapy evaluation, and immune system mechanisms related to human PD-1/VEGFA.

Lipoprotein A (LPA) is a type of particle similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that is considered one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, etc ^[1]. LP(a) is similar in size and lipid content to LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and also contains the lipoprotein ApoB-100. However, unlike LDL, LP(a) additionally contains a variable-length lipoprotein called Apo(a), which covalently binds to ApoB-100 through a single disulfide bond. LP(a) plays an important role in systemic lipid transport, guiding inflammatory cells into blood vessel walls and leading to smooth muscle cell proliferation. Furthermore, it is involved in wound healing and tissue repair, interacting with the components of blood vessel walls and the extracellular matrix ^[2]. However, LP(a) can also cause arterial narrowing by adhering to the arterial wall, accelerating the formation of blood clots, and thereby triggering a series of pathological changes related to coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, thrombus formation, and stroke ^[3]. The plasma concentration of LP(a) is closely related to genetic factors and is primarily regulated by the LPA gene. Therefore, the LPA gene is an important potential target for cardiovascular disease treatment. The LPA gene encodes a serine protease that inhibits the activity of tissue-type plasminogen activator I. Fragments of this protein, generated through protein hydrolysis, can adhere to atherosclerotic lesions in arteries, promoting blood clot formation. The LPA gene is expressed in both humans and non-human primates but is not expressed in mice. Constructing mouse models expressing the human LPA gene is of significant importance for developing lipid-lowering drugs, which can drive the development of novel therapies for cardiovascular diseases. Currently, various novel therapies targeting the transcription rate of the LPA gene are under development, including small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) ^[4]. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease primarily produced in the liver but expressed in other tissues, including the intestine, heart, and neurons. The N-terminal domain of the PCSK9 protein is responsible for protein localization and stability, while the C-terminal domain is responsible for protein enzymatic activity ^[5]. The Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is a receptor that is responsible for clearing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from the blood. PCSK9 cleaves the intracellular domain of LDLR on the cell surface, causing it to detach from the cell membrane and be transported to the lysosome for degradation, promoting LDLR degradation, and increasing plasma LDL-C. Overexpression or gain-of-function mutations of the PCSK9 gene can lead to LDL-C accumulation by reducing LDLR levels. This can cause hypercholesterolemia, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease ^[6]. PCSK9 has emerged as a key target for the development of lipid-lowering drugs. Several PCSK9-targeted antibodies or small nucleic acid drugs have been approved for marketing worldwide, including evolocumab from Amgen, alirocumab from Sanofi and Regeneron, and inclisiran from Novartis. These drugs primarily work by inhibiting PCSK9 activity or preventing PCSK9 protein from binding to LDLR, lowering LDL-C levels in the blood to treat hypercholesterolemia ^[7-8]. In addition, PCSK9 can promote tumor growth and development by regulating cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. It can also regulate the expression of inflammatory factors that contribute to inflammation. Therefore, targeting the expression of PCSK9 has been investigated in tumor immunotherapy and autoimmune disease therapy ^[9-10]. The B6-hLPA (CKI)/Alb-cre/hPCSK9 mouse model is generated by crossing B6-hLPA (CKI) mice (Catalog No.: C001521, a mouse strain with conditional expression of the human LPA gene), Alb-Cre mice (liver-specific Cre-expressing mice), and B6-hPCSK9 mice (Catalog No.: C001617). This model harbors two cardiovascular disease risk factors, namely Lp (a) (lipoprotein (a)) and PCSK9, making it suitable for research on hyperlipidemia, stroke, coronary heart disease, and other atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD).

TNF-like ligand 1A (TL1A), also known as TNF superfamily member 15 (TNFSF15), is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family encoded by the TNFSF15 gene in humans. TL1A acts as a ligand for death receptor 3 (DR3) and decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), providing a stimulatory signal for downstream pathways. It regulates the proliferation, activation, and apoptosis of effector cells, as well as cytokine and chemokine production. TL1A is expressed in various immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells, as well as in non-immune cells such as synovial fibroblasts and endothelial cells. It plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses by promoting the differentiation and survival of T cells, particularly Th17 cells involved in inflammatory processes ^[1]. TL1A enhances IL-2 responses in anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated T cells and synergizes with IL-12 and IL-18 to augment IFN-γ release in human T and NK cells, biasing T cell differentiation toward a Th1 phenotype ^[2]. Dysregulation of TL1A expression is implicated in autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) ^[1]. TL1A has emerged as a promising therapeutic target, with ongoing research focused on developing monoclonal antibodies and other biologics to neutralize TL1A and reduce inflammation in autoimmune disorders. Clinical trial results suggest that TL1A inhibition can be used in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, particularly IBD ^[3-5]. The IL23A gene encodes the p19 subunit, a component of interleukin-23 (IL-23), which forms a heterodimer with the p40 subunit (encoded by IL12B) to generate the functional IL-23 cytokine ^[1]. Primarily expressed by activated dendritic cells, macrophages, and monocytes, IL-23 signals through the IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) complex, activating the JAK-STAT pathway to promote Th17 cell differentiation and maintain IL-17 production. This process drives inflammatory responses and mucosal immunity against extracellular pathogens ^[6-7]. Genetic polymorphisms within IL23A are strongly associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, due to dysregulated Th17 activity and chronic inflammation ^[6-7]. Monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-23, such as risankizumab and guselkumab, selectively block the p19 subunit, demonstrating therapeutic efficacy in psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases by suppressing pathogenic IL-17/Th17 pathways ^[8]. While IL-23 plays a role in protective immunity, its overactivation contributes to tissue damage in autoimmune settings, highlighting its dual function in immune regulation and disease pathogenesis ^[6-9]. B6-hTL1A/hIL23A mice are humanized models generated by crossing B6-hTL1A (TNFSF15) mice (Catalog No.: C001603) with B6-hIL23A mice (Catalog No.: C001618). These mice are suitable for studying the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of allergic and inflammatory diseases, immune-related disorders, and cancer, as well as for the screening, development, and preclinical evaluation of TL1A/IL23A-targeted drugs.