Animal models for autoimmune bullous dermatoses

Autoimmune bullous dermatoses are a group of severe diseases, which are clinically characterized by blisters and erosions of skin and/or mucous membranes. In order to investigate the pathogenesis of these potentially life-threatening diseases and to develop more specific therapeutic approaches, animal models have been developed that aim to reproduce the clinical, histological and immunopathological findings. We here review established and novel animal models of autoimmune skin blistering diseases and discuss their applications and limitations.