CU investigators have generated a transgenic rat model that allows for reversible and inducible deletion of cells that express CD11b, which includes many types of leukocytes. To do this, rats were engineered to express the diphtheria toxin receptor fused to eGFP specifically in CD11b positive cells. The research team has shown that administration of diphtheria toxin to these transgenic rats leads to a durable depletion of CD11b positive cells. Therefore, this rat model allows researchers the opportunity to better understand the role of leukocytes in health and disease.