Research Techniques Made Simple: Mouse Models of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by impaired barrier function, eczematous dermatitis, and chronic pruritus. Mouse models have been heavily used to deepen our understanding of complicated disease mechanisms in AD and to provide a preclinical platform before performing clinical interventional research on novel therapeutic agents in humans. However, what aspects of human AD these mouse AD models faithfully recapitulate is insufficiently understood. We categorized mouse AD models into three groups: (i) inbred models, (ii) genetically engineered mice in which genes of interest are overexpressed or deleted in a specific cell type, and (iii) models induced by topical application of exogenous agents. To maximize benefits from current murine AD models, understanding the strengths and limitations of each model is essential when selecting a system suitable for a specific research question. We describe known and emerging AD mouse models and discuss the usefulness and pitfalls of each system.