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Translational Animal Models of Atopic Dermatitis for Preclinical Studies
Britta C Martel1,2, Paola Lovato1, Wolfgang Bäumer3,4
1LEO Pharma A/S, Ballerup, Denmark.
Abstract:
There is a medical need to develop new treatments for patients suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD). To improve the discovery and testing of novel treatments, relevant animal models for AD are needed. Generally, these animal models mimic different aspects of the pathophysiology of human AD, such as skin barrier defects and Th2 immune bias with additional Th1 and Th22, and in some populations Th17, activation. However, the pathomechanistic characterization and pharmacological validation of these animal models are generally incomplete. In this paper, we review animal models of AD in the context of preclinical use and their possible translation to the human disease. Most of these models use mice, but we will also critically evaluate dog models of AD, as increasing information on disease mechanism show their likely relevance for the human disease.
Insights
Developing new atopic dermatitis (AD) treatments requires better animal models. This review critically evaluates existing mouse and dog models for preclinical research and their potential translation to human AD.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent skin condition with unmet therapeutic needs.
- Current animal models for AD research often lack complete pathomechanistic characterization and pharmacological validation.
- Effective preclinical models are crucial for advancing the discovery and testing of novel AD treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and critically evaluate existing animal models of atopic dermatitis (AD).
- To assess the relevance of these models for preclinical research and potential translation to human AD.
- To compare the utility of mouse and dog models in mimicking AD pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical animal models for atopic dermatitis.
- Analysis of pathomechanistic characterization and pharmacological validation of selected models.
- Comparative evaluation of mouse and dog models based on disease mimicry and translational potential.
Main Results:
- Most current AD animal models utilize mice, exhibiting features like skin barrier defects and specific immune responses (Th2, Th1, Th22, Th17).
- The pathomechanistic understanding and pharmacological validation of many existing models remain incomplete.
- Dog models of AD are increasingly recognized for their relevance due to emerging data on disease mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Improved and well-characterized animal models are essential for accelerating the development of effective atopic dermatitis treatments.
- Both mouse and dog models offer potential for AD research, with dog models showing promise for translational studies.
- Further research is needed to fully validate and optimize animal models for reliable preclinical assessment of AD therapies.
