Overview of animal models of food allergy

The etiology of human food allergy is poorly defined. Animal models, in particular mouse models, have been crucial to understanding the mechanisms leading to sensitization. Novel therapeutics for food allergy, which are desperately needed, have been tested for safety and efficacy in preclinical models. Mouse models mimic key features of human food allergy and are the most frequently used animal model due to the immunologic tools, genetic manipulations, and large sample sizes available. In this article, we provide an overview of the animal models developed to study food allergy, with a focus on sensitization, anaphylaxis, prevention, and therapy.