Research advances of psoriasis-like animal models

ZHANG Tong-mei; WANG Gang

doi:10.11786/sypfbxzz.1674-1293.20180511

Abstract：Currently, there are three types of animal models widely used in psoriasis research, including acute inflammation models, genetically engineered models, Xenograft models and Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) syndrome type psoriasis-like animal models, which play an important role in elucidating pathogenic mechanisms and investigating novel therapeutic agents of psoriasis. The advantages of acute inflammation models include low cost and rapid induction of skin inflammation, thus they have been widely used. The primary limitation of these models is lack of standardized protocols. Genetically engineered models are mice with specific gene alterations including overexpression or loss/knockout, which permits experiments to determine an individual gene’s contribution and mechanisms in psoriasis. Limitations of these models are expensive cost, time consuming, and relative difficulty to obtain. Xenograft models most closely mimic the immunologic and genetic basis of the human psoriasis, but the need for extensive technical prerequisites limits their applications. TCM syndrome type psoriasis-like animal models can simulate overall state of psoriasis patients, but lacking international recognition. Different types of animal models have their advantages and limitations respectively. Researchers need to choose rationally according to their studies.