Immunology of anaphylaxis: lessons from murine models

The use of animal models is increasing, and mice are suitable animals to use in exploring systemic anaphylaxis based on the similarity between human and mouse immune systems. Two anaphylaxis pathways have been characterized in mice, which may help in understanding some of the discrepancies found in humans. In addition, cytokine studies are raising new concepts that may put together some of the puzzling mechanisms described in this disease. Finally, the study of the mechanisms that parasitic infections use to evade the human immune system and the scene in which a parasite induces clinical anaphylaxis are opening new insights in the immunology pathways and new strategies to fight against this exclusive disease.