32 - Experimental Models for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Animal models are tools to understand the basic mechanisms believed to cause or perpetuate rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There are many different animal models for RA, some of which are standard, such as the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model, collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model, and adjuvant (pristane)-induced arthritis model. Arthritis can be induced in animals by immunization with cartilage components, adjuvants, bacterial or viral components, or genetic modification. Animal models have a defined disease course and are useful for analysis of the discrete phases of biology mediating the three stages leading to RA: priming, disease onset, and chronicity. Animal models allow for controlled experiments with specific variations of environment and genetics. Animal models provide direction for novel approaches to treatment, such as cytokine inhibition and tolerance induction.