Murine Models of Allergic Asthma: Methodological Insights into Allergen Sensitization and Challenge Protocols

Abstract

Asthma represents a chronic inflammatory airway disease with a steadily increasing global prevalence in recent decades. Animal models have proven invaluable in elucidating the underlying disease mechanisms and identifying innovative therapeutic approaches. The murine model is extensively used to investigate key characteristics of allergic asthma, including airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and airway remodeling. Classic protocols involving sensitizing and challenging animals with different types of allergens and modes of administration are major factors in inducing asthmatic features in a mouse model. The present review critically analyzes the commonly used sensitization and allergen challenge protocols for inducing acute and chronic inflammation in the airways of mouse models of asthma, emphasizing their potential in advancing therapeutic development for allergic asthma studies.