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Animal models of allergic asthma
Heidi Isenberg-Feig1, J Paul Justice, Andrea Keane-Myers
1Laboratory of Allergic Disease, Eosinophil Biology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Room 200E, Twinbrook II, 12441 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. akeane@niaid.nih.gov
Abstract:
We are fortunate to have many species of animals that can serve as adequate models for allergic disease in humans. This review is focused mostly on models of allergic airway disease, and some major categories of animals used for asthma research are discussed, including rodents and nonhuman primates. Furthermore, evidence that supports and criticizes the use of animal models of asthma is provided. There is no animal model that exactly reproduces the pathology of human asthma. However, these models are necessary for the development of novel therapies and an understanding of the detailed pathogenesis of the response of mammals to respirable allergens.