Group 2 : Animal models for mast cell research Trainer : Katerina Tiligada

1. Group 2: Animal models for mast cell research Trainer: Katerina Tiligada Points following discussion • Difficulties in in vivo studies: validation protocols; different markers, triggers, agents, etc • Need for harmonization & standardization of the essential protocols/methodologies for validation of novelin vivo models in various species: consideration of strain, gender, age differences/variations; visibility of negative results is essential • In vivo drug administration: consideration of strain-related differences, ligand specificity, ligand-directed signaling, threshold/baseline/placebo responses, dose-response curves, selection of the appropriate control drug • Inter/intra species cell-cell interaction and immune responses in in vivo models (particularly concerning Tg & humanised models) • Comparative definition of mast cell/basophil (rodent models are different from human, including MC/basophilphenotypes & behaviour): need for a (minimal) list of characteristics and comparison between species