Research progress of animal models of antigen-induced autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases (AID) are chronic debilitating diseases characterized by excessive or prolonged autoimmune responses, which lead to the destruction of normal tissue structures and consequent clinical symptoms. AID poses a significant threat to human health, and its pathogenic mechanism remains poorly understood. Etiological studies suggest that the onset of AID primarily caused by the combined influence of environmental and genetic factors. The development of stable and effective animal models is a crucial approach and method for studying the pathogenesis of AID and for accurate prevention and treatment. This paper presents a review of the classification of immune antigens, heterophilic antigen epitopes, and the role of autoantigens in the construction of AID animal models, focusing particularly on the establishment of antigen-induced AID animal models, aiming to provide theoretical references for subsequent research on AID.