Developing Mouse Models for Ovarian Tissue Transplantation and Xenotransplantation: A Review.

Ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) is the only option for preserving fertility in prepubertal girls and young women who require immediate cancer treatment. Due to ethical constraints and the limited number of clinical cases, human OTT research is challenging. Mouse OTT models serve as valuable preclinical models. This article aims to review the current status of mouse OTT models, including xenotransplantation from humans. We conducted a systematic analysis of original research articles and reviews of mouse OTT models published in PubMed and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The construction methods included different mouse strains (C57/BL6, Institute of Cancer Research, Naval Medical Research Institute, genetically engineered, and immunodeficient mice), transplantation sites (subcutaneous tissue, sub-renal capsule, back muscle, peritoneum, and ovarian bursa), and transplantation types (xenotransplantation, allogeneic, and autologous transplantation). The evaluation metrics included histological analysis, assessment of neovascularization density, measurement of granulosa cell proliferation activity, and hormonal and estrous cycle monitoring. The choice of metrics should be selected according to the stage after transplantation. To advance the clinical application, mouse OTT models could be improved by developing standardized evaluation criteria and simplified, rapid, noninvasive detection methods to enhance consistency and comparability of research outcomes. Key areas for further research include addressing safety concerns (eg, risk of tumor cell reimplantation), optimizing efficacy evaluations (eg, follicle quality and endocrine function recovery), and improving cost-effectiveness through analysis of mouse strains and transplantation protocols. This review provides valuable insights for future research and clinical applications.