Animal Models in Behçet's Disease

Abstract

<jats:p>Behçet's disease is a chronic, recurrent, multisystemic, inflammatory disorder affecting mainly the oral and urogenital mucosa and the uveal tract. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of Behçet's disease are unknown, numerous etiologies have been proposed, including environmental, infectious, and immunological factors; an autoimmune basis, characterized by circulating immune complexes and complement activation, has gained increasing acceptance. To test and understand immunopathogenesis of Behçet's disease, animal models were developed based on enviromental pollutants, bacterial and human heat shock protein derived peptides, and virus injections. Using these animal models separately and/or concurrently allows for a more effective investigation into Behçet's disease. Animal models developed in the last 10 years aim at the development of efficient and safe treatment options.</jats:p>

Proteomics-based functional studies reveal that galectin-3 plays a protective role in the pathogenesis of intestinal Behçet’s disease

“…In addition, our data need to be replicated in a colitis model specific for intestinal BD. BD-like mouse model produced by herpes simplex virus inoculation showed BD-like symptoms including skin manifestations, eye symptoms, orogenital ulcers, and gastrointestinal ulcer (5.2%) 54 . Unfortunately, however, there are currently no specific animal models for intestinal BD.…”