Mouse Models of Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious hazard of blood transfusions typically caused by recipient-reactive antibodies in blood products. To model TRALI, we have used MHC class I antibody injections to trigger acute lung injury in mice. Studies using this approach have provided mechanistic insights into TRALI risk factors and pathogenesis. Beyond TRALI, the ability to rapidly provoke acute lung injury with a non-infectious causal agent has also been useful for studying antibody effector mechanisms, inflammatory platelet responses, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pathophysiology. Here, we provide a brief overview of mouse TRALI models, a protocol for inducing experimental TRALI, and key considerations for successful experiments.