Improved mouse models of allergy and allergic asthma--chances beyond ovalbumin.
Allergic asthma is defined as a hypersensitivity reaction of the lung towards per se harmless antigens, e.g. pollen and house dust mite, accompanied with a chronic eosinophilic inflammation of the lung. During the course of the disease, physiological and structural changes in the lung occur, i.e. airway hyperresponsiveness, restricted airflow and airway remodelling. In addition to ovalbumin-induced mouse models of acute asthma, recently new models were developed, which show a closer resemblance to human asthma, both regarding the induction of characteristics of chronic allergic inflammation and the use of clinical relevant allergens. Moreover, attention is paid on the influence of adjuvants or the route of sensitisation on the protocol outcomes. The effort spent in development of these new models will be worthwhile, especially for research in the field of immuno-therapy. These improved animal models may broaden the knowledge of the disease and thereby provide new strategies for preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine Hannover, Germany.
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Fuchs
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Braun
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007114:Immunization / Q000379:methods; D051379:Mice; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000276:immunology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000276:immunology
D000485:Allergens; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D010936:Plant Extracts; C451253:grass pollen extract, alum-adsorbed; D010047:Ovalbumin