In vivo murine models for evaluating anti-arthritic agents: An updated review

Abstract

Arthritis is an autoimmune condition marked by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Despite significant progress in treatment options, many aspects of arthritis pathogenesis remain poorly understood, necessitating continued research efforts. Animal models have been instrumental in elucidating the complex mechanisms underlying arthritis and in the preclinical evaluation of new treatments. This review article aims to underscore the critical importance of animal models by providing a comprehensive overview of their contributions and current applications in arthritis research. Animal models, such as genetically modified mice and induced arthritis models, offer valuable tools to simulate disease processes observed in humans, enabling researchers to study disease progression, immune responses, and the efficacy of potential therapies in a controlled laboratory setting. The objectives of this review are twofold: initially, to evaluate various types of animal models utilized in arthritis research, highlighting their strengths and limitations, and then, to summarize recent advancements and emerging trends in the field. The present review provides researchers and clinicians with a consolidated resource that informs future research directions and facilitates the translation of preclinical findings into clinical practice.