Experimental models of lung sarcoidosis

Introduction. Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown origin. The study of its features and the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods are limited by the absence of generally accepted experimental models. The purpose of the review is to evaluate existing models of sarcoidosis. To date, there have been in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models of lung sarcoidosis developed. In vitro models are mainly based on cells obtained from C57BL/6J mice or from patients with sarcoidosis. In vivo models have been developed using Lewis rats and C57BL/6 mice. Granuloma formation in these experimental models occurs under the influence of various infectious (most often M. tuberculosis antigens) and non-infectious triggers (such as introducing nanoparticles like quantum dots and multi-walled carbon nanotubes). In silico models consist of individual studies that combine biological data with mathematical and computational representations of granuloma formation. These models allow researchers to evaluate the interactions between immune cells and various cytokines and predict the effects of drugs on potential targets. However, the quality of these models is closely linked to in vitro and in vivo studies and the information obtained from research on the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.

Material and methods. Studies published in international research databases over the last ten years were reviewed using the keywords sarcoidosis, lung sarcoidosis, and sarcoidosis models, in silico, in vitro and in vivo models.

Conclusion. None of the models adequately meets the research objectives and does not fully reproduce the disease. The prospects for improving sarcoidosis models lie in the use of genetically engineered mice, the creation of cell lines, and the exploration of in silico models.