INTRODUCTION: Immune Relevant Animal Models: Opportunities and Challenges

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Preclinical Research
• Animal Models

Background:

• Interpreting preclinical animal models is vital for solving immunology-related clinical challenges.
• The immune system's complexity and species-specific variations complicate the selection of appropriate animal models.
• This issue focuses on immune-relevant animal models to address unmet human clinical needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utility of various immune-relevant animal models in addressing critical human health issues.
• To provide insights into the application of animal models across diverse immunological research areas.
• To highlight the importance of carefully selected animal models for translational immunology.

Main Methods:

• Review and assessment of immune-relevant animal models.
• Focus on models used in oncology, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy, and xenotransplantation.
• Inclusion of models for adjuvants, infectious diseases, and immune-privileged inflammation.

Main Results:

• The assessments offer key insights into the application of animal models for unmet human clinical needs.
• Specific examples of model utility are discussed across different immunological fields.
• The issue synthesizes current knowledge on the strengths and limitations of various models.

Conclusions:

• Appropriate selection and design of animal models are essential for valid interpretation and clinical translation.
• Immune-relevant animal models are indispensable tools for advancing human immunology research.
• Continued evaluation of animal models is necessary to overcome clinical challenges in immunology.