In vivo models of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) models in mice induced by immunization enable the analyses of molecular mechanism involved in disease development, progression, and resolution of inflammation. Here, we describe three different models mimicking clinic symptoms of human rheumatoid arthritis, which could be transferable to any genetically modified mouse. We will present the protocol for collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), K/BxN serum-induced arthritis (SIA), and the antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) models. To do so, we will detail their way of induction but also how to analyze RA clinical score and pathology characterization. Finally, we will briefly discuss the main characteristics and disadvantages of all three models.