Integrating natural commensals and pathogens into preclinical mouse models

Area of Science:

• Mammalian physiology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Laboratory mice are crucial for physiological research due to genetic tractability and available reagents.
• Current mouse models are often germ-free, limiting their relevance to natural human exposure to microbes and pathogens.
• This sterile environment restricts the commensal flora of research mice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose integrating natural microbiota and pathogen exposure into standard laboratory mouse models.
• To enhance the understanding of disease mechanisms through more relevant preclinical research.
• To improve the development of novel human therapies by refining animal models.

Main Methods:

• This study is a perspective piece, outlining a conceptual approach.
• It discusses the integration of existing mouse models with natural microbial and pathogen exposure.
• It suggests a re-evaluation of terminology for these enhanced models.

Main Results:

• The integration of natural microbiota offers a more biologically relevant context for disease research.
• This approach can lead to more accurate predictions of human disease progression and treatment efficacy.
• The proposed models enhance our understanding of host-microbe-pathogen interactions.

Conclusions:

• Combining conventional mouse models with natural microbial exposure can significantly improve preclinical research.
• The term 'mice with natural microbiota' is suggested as a more appropriate descriptor for these enhanced models.
• This integrated approach holds promise for advancing human health and therapeutic development.