Mouse Models for Studying the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effects of Allergic Airway Inflammation

BACKGROUND: Allergic airway inflammation, including allergic rhinitis and asthma, is a disease characterized by immunoglobulin E-mediated type I hypersensitivity reactions, with its pathophysiological features characterized by infiltration and proliferation of inflammatory cells in the airway mucosal epithelial cells. The complexity and heterogeneity of this inflammatory response, as well as the limitations of sampling from patients with allergic airway inflammation, have made animal models play a crucial role in studying the pathophysiological molecular pathways and treatment methods of allergic airway inflammation. SUMMARY: Among the many animal models studied for allergic airway inflammation, mouse models are widely used for their diversity of genetic backgrounds, ease of experimental manipulation, and relevance to human diseases. When constructing and evaluating mouse models, many factors must be considered, including the selection of allergens, the selection of mouse species that are sensitive to allergens and have significant immune responses, the selection and feasibility of reagents and gene targets related to allergic airway inflammation, and the correlation with human natural diseases, i.e., whether the mouse model can be used to answer clinical questions about allergic airway inflammation, etc. Key Message: This review aimed to summarize the latest advances in mouse models used for allergic airway inflammation research, so as to provide further insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of allergic airway inflammation.