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1Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
Abstract:
Animal models, including those employing the use of house mice (Mus musculus), are crucial in elucidating mechanisms in human pathophysiology. However, it is evident that the impreciseness of using laboratory mice maintained in super-hygienic barrier facilities to mirror relevant aspects of human physiology and pathology exists, which is a major limitation in translating mouse findings to inferring human medicine. Interestingly, free-living wild mice are found to be substantially different from laboratory-bred, specific pathogen-free mice with respect to various immune system compartments. Wild mice have an immune system that better reflects human immunity. In this review article, we discuss recent experimental findings that address the so-called "wild immunology", which reveals the contrasting immune features between laboratory-raised mice and their wild companions as well as laboratory mice that have been exposed to a natural rodent habitat. A particular focus will be given to the development of pulmonary mast cells and its possible impact on the use of "naturalized" or "rewilded" laboratory mice as experimental asthma models.
Insights
Wild mice possess immune systems that more accurately reflect human immunity compared to laboratory mice. This "wild immunology" research highlights differences crucial for improving human disease models, particularly for asthma research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Comparative immunology
- Translational medicine
Background:
- Laboratory mice (Mus musculus) are vital for studying human pathophysiology but have limitations due to sterile environments.
- Specific pathogen-free (SPF) laboratory mice exhibit distinct immune features compared to free-living wild mice.
- Immune system differences between wild and laboratory mice impact the translatability of research findings to human medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental findings on "wild immunology" and contrast immune features between laboratory and wild mice.
- To explore the implications of these immune differences for human physiology and pathology research.
- To focus on pulmonary mast cell development in naturalized or rewilded mice for asthma modeling.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent experimental findings on wild mouse immunology.
- Comparative analysis of immune system compartments in wild versus laboratory mice.
- Investigation of pulmonary mast cell development in naturalized laboratory mice.
Main Results:
- Wild mice display immune system characteristics that more closely resemble human immunity than SPF laboratory mice.
- Significant contrasts exist in immune system compartments between wild mice and their laboratory counterparts.
- Naturalized or rewilded laboratory mice may offer improved models for studying conditions like asthma.
Conclusions:
- The immune system of wild mice provides a more relevant model for human immunology than traditional laboratory mice.
- Understanding "wild immunology" is essential for enhancing the accuracy of animal models in biomedical research.
- Further research into naturalized mice, particularly concerning pulmonary mast cells, can refine experimental asthma models.
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