Can insights from animal models redefine our understanding of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs)? This review examines murine models of mucosal inflammation, revealing how immune imbalances can lead to loss of tolerance for mucosal antigens, thus driving IBD pathogenesis. These models offer a new paradigm for comprehending the complexities of IBDs. The authors analyze the immunology of IBDs through the lens of murine models, highlighting their common features and individual capacities to provide insight into IBD pathogenesis. The review emphasizes that these models demonstrate various types of immune imbalance that can lead to loss of tolerance for mucosal antigens and thus inflammation centered in the gastrointestinal tract. The findings suggest that murine models provide a roadmap for defining the immunology of IBDs and identifying unexpected ways to treat these diseases. This comprehensive analysis could pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions.
Published in the Annual Review of Immunology, this paper directly addresses the journal's focus on current advances in immunological research. By analyzing murine models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), the review aligns perfectly with the journal's scope. The authors' insights contribute significantly to understanding IBD pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies, enhancing the field of immunology.