Murine models for asthma research: An updated critical analysis <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

AIMS: To discuss the advantages and limitations of studies using murine models in asthma and the most immediate applications. SOURCE OF DATA: A review of the literature using PubMed database was performed. The keywords used were: mice, asthma, animal model and murine model. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Experimental models have been used to elucidate the pathophysiology of asthma and to evaluate new therapeutic targets. Several limitations related to the models currently used have emerged in recent years. Animal models are very different from the human asthma, particularly regarding to the use of adjuvant, administration route, dose of allergen and the type of pulmonary inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS: New experimental models must reproduce the characteristics of human asthma as close as possible. Although murine models show several advantages in relation to other animals, the inherent limitations of this type of study must be considered before the extrapolation of results to human pathology.