Gene knockout mice as investigative tools in pathophysiology.
An overview is given of the phenotype of mice with distinct deletions of genes for cytokines and some related proteins, which occur either naturally or as a result of homologous recombination. The use of such knockout mice for investigation of the pathophysiology of experimental disease is summarized. Understanding of the role of a given cytokine in pathogenesis has therapeutic implications, as the pathology may be prevented or attenuated by inhibition of the synthesis, release or activity of that cytokine.
Ryffel
B
B
Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Switzerland.
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout / Q000276:immunology*; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000276:immunology; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000276:immunology*
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins; D016207:Cytokines