Understanding the Mouse Model of Respiratory Allergic Diseases

Abstract

Respiratory allergic diseases, represented by allergic rhinitis and asthma, show various features due to their complex pathophysiology. Mouse models of respiratory allergic diseases replicate the characteristics of human allergic rhinitis and asthma, including airway inflammation airway hyperresponsiveness. Different phenotypes and immunologic features are shown according to the various strain of mouse; C57BL/6 strain and BALB/c strain are commonly used in allergic rhinitis and asthma. Ovalbumin as well as pathophysiologically relevant allergen, including house dust mite and fungus are generally used. The mouse model protocols usually include allergen sensitization period followed by allergen provocation period. Allergens possibly combined with adjuvant are introduced into mouse via intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, or intranasal route (sensitization period). Then, mouse repetitively inhales allergen by intranasal, intratracheal, or nebulized formation (aerosol), resulting in a robust influx of inflammatory cells in the airways (provocation period). We can evaluate several parameters including nasal rubbing and sneezing count, airway hyperresponsiveness, histological assessment, cellular composition, cytokine expression of nasal and lung tissue, and allergenspecific immunoglobulin of serum. These examinations provide useful information to understand the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and asthma and to test the safety and efficacy of new therapeutic agents. The present review analyzes several protocols and considerations as well as similarities and differences of mouse model of allergic rhinitis and asthma in detail.