Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Animal models in systemic sclerosis: an update
Xiongjie Bi1,2, Tingting Mills3, Minghua Wu1
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by early inflammation followed by excessive fibrosis in the skin and internal organs. Enhancing our comprehension of SSc pathogenesis is essential to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Animal models that mimic one or more aspects of SSc have been proven to be a valuable resource for investigating disease mechanisms. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the existing SSc animal models and the potentially relevant pathways to SSc pathogenesis.
Recent Findings:
This review focuses on the most recently generated and investigated animal models, which delve into novel pathways beyond existing models or employ genetic technologies to gain a deeper understanding of SSc pathogenesis including activation of early type I interferon (IFN) signaling pathway, immune cell function and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH).
Summary:
While no single animal model can fully replicate SSc, a combination of different models can offer valuable insights into the pathways involved in the onset and advancement of the SSc. These insights can prove animal models as a crutial preclinical tool for developing effective treatments for SSc.
