Murine allergy model outcomes differ by sensitization route, allergen type, and mouse strain, influencing mechanisms such as IgE and mast cell involvement and the therapeutic relevance of each model. Understanding how experimental parameters shape outcomes is essential for selecting appropriate models and effectively translating findings to clinical applications.

ABSTRACT

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions underlie most allergic responses and are characterized by rapid mast cell (MC) activation and the subsequent release of mediators. These processes have been studied in rodent models via IgE or allergen sensitization, which replicate essential aspects of human allergic responses. Because allergic diseases exhibit diverse clinical manifestations, varying in phenotype, allergen specificity, immune response, and pathophysiological mechanisms, it is essential to employ a variety of models to comprehensively address distinct aspects of allergic responses and mechanisms. Allergic responses in mouse models can vary depending on factors such as experimental condition and murine strain, and these variations influence the ability of the model to reflect manifestations of human disease. This review aimed to summarize the characteristics of various murine allergy models, primarily focusing on wild-type strains, highlighting the impact of sensitization strategy, administration route, and murine strain on allergic disease outcomes. Given the pivotal role of MCs in allergic disease, achieving a deeper understanding of their characteristics across models is expected to enhance the applicability of these models and facilitate the development of MC-targeted therapies.