Mouse Models of Food Allergies: Where Do They Take Us?

The rising prevalence of food allergies has coincided with the increasing use of animal models to study disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. Animal models, particularly murine models, have been instrumental in elucidating the mechanisms of allergic sensitization, effector responses, and potential therapeutic interventions. However, despite their utility, mouse models do not fully replicate human immune responses, limiting clinical translation. This review highlights conventional inbred mouse strains, genetically modified, and humanized mouse models, focusing on commonly used strains and key experimental variables, including allergen sources, adjuvants, and sensitization routes. Evaluation methods including anaphylaxis scoring, immunological profiling and histological analysis, ensure model reliability. Advances such as genetic modifications, humanized immune components, and multi-omics approaches aim to improve model relevance, facilitating better translation to clinical applications.