Contributions of large and agricultural animal models to immunology

Abstract

While studies with laboratory rodent models have defined molecular and cellular components of the human immune system, experiments in these small mammals can't capture all aspects of human immunity. This review focuses on immunologic research in large and agricultural species, highlighting how understanding immunity in a range of large animals can expand awareness of immunological processes critical for maintenance of human health. Large animal studies are reviewed and their unique contributions to knowledge of infectious disease spread, antibody production and vaccine development, organ transplantation, and immunotherapies are demonstrated. The review concludes with a brief discussion of limits of large models and their importance not only to the health of humans, but to agricultural animals themselves and human food systems.