While each of the many types of autoimmune diseases is unique in its disease mechanism, all ultimately represent a malfunction of the immune system. The causes of autoimmune diseases suggest not only genetics plays a role, but that it is a combination with external factors such as environment, lifestyle, and viral infections. 

 

Alpha has expertise in several rodent models for the study of a human autoimmune diseases. Key rodent models include:

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• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

  • NZB/W F1 and MRL/lpr spontaneous mouse models of SLE

 

• Type 1 diabetes (T1D)

  • Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes

 

• Multiple sclerosis (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE))

  • Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced models of EAE

  • Proteolipid proteins (PLP)-induced models of EAE

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• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 

  • 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)- and Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS)-inducible models of IBD or Crohn’s disease

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• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

  • Complete Freund's Adjuvant/Incomplete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA/IFA)- induced models of RA​