Mouse models of eosinophilic esophagitis: molecular and translational insights.

Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic inflammatory disease of the esophagus that exerts a significant clinical and financial burden in developed countries. Despite an emerging interest in this disease, the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving EoE pathogenesis remain elusive. Addressing this knowledge gap is critical to guide the development of novel approaches for diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy in patients with EoE. As EoE is an allergic inflammatory disorder that results in esophageal inflammation and tissue remodeling, in vivo studies are critical to develop a better understanding of this disease. Here, we provide a review of murine models of EoE, highlighting the mechanistic and translational insights into EoE pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches that studies using these models have uncovered. We further discuss the strengths and limitations of EoE mouse models, as well as opportunities for future in vivo approaches to study EoE. Overall, this article reviews the progress, challenges, unmet needs, and opportunities in murine modeling of EoE.