Mouse Models for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Pathogenesis: Show and Do Not Tell

Science has been taking profit from animal models since the first translational experiments back in ancient Greece. From there, and across all history, several remarkable findings have been obtained using animal models. One of the most popular models, especially for research in infectious diseases, is the mouse. Regarding research in tuberculosis, the mouse has provided useful information about host and bacterial traits related to susceptibility to the infection. The effect of aging, sexual dimorphisms, the route of infection, genetic differences between mice lineages and unbalanced immunity scenarios upon Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis development has helped, helps and will help biomedical researchers in the design of new tools for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis, despite various discrepancies and the lack of deep study in some areas of these traits.

Automated summary

Science has benefited greatly from animal models since ancient Greece and has obtained important findings throughout history. The mouse, especially in research on infectious diseases like tuberculosis, has been one of the most popular models. Research on mice has provided useful information about host and bacterial traits related to susceptibility to tuberculosis, as well as the effects of aging, sexual dimorphisms, route of infection, genetic differences, and immunity imbalances on Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis development. Despite some discrepancies and gaps in certain areas, these studies will continue to help biomedical researchers in designing new tools for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis.