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Making Mouse Models That Reflect Human Immune Responses
1Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
Abstract:
Humans are infected with a variety of acute and chronic pathogens over the course of their lives, and pathogen-driven selection has shaped the immune system of humans. The same is likely true for mice. However, laboratory mice we use for most biomedical studies are bred in ultra-hygienic environments, and are kept free of specific pathogens. We review recent studies that indicate that pathogen infections are important for the basal level of activation and the function of the immune system. Consideration of these environmental exposures of both humans and mice can potentially improve mouse models of human disease.
Insights
Pathogen exposure shapes the immune system in humans and mice. Understanding these environmental factors is crucial for improving how we model human diseases using laboratory mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathogen-Human Interaction
- Animal Models
Background:
- The human immune system has evolved under constant pathogen pressure.
- Laboratory mice, often used in biomedical research, are typically raised in pathogen-free conditions.
- This difference in environmental exposure may impact immune system function and research validity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of pathogen infections on immune system basal activation and function.
- To highlight the importance of considering environmental exposures in both humans and mice.
- To suggest improvements for mouse models of human disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on pathogen infections and immune function.
- Analysis of the role of environmental exposures in immune system development.
- Comparison of immune system characteristics in pathogen-exposed versus pathogen-free individuals/animals.
Main Results:
- Pathogen infections are critical for maintaining the basal activation and overall function of the immune system.
- Differences in pathogen exposure between humans and laboratory mice can significantly affect immune responses.
- Immune system function is demonstrably influenced by the presence or absence of microbial stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Pathogen exposure is a key factor in immune system development and function.
- Current mouse models may not accurately reflect human immune responses due to lack of pathogen exposure.
- Incorporating relevant environmental exposures into mouse models could enhance their predictive power for human diseases.
