Animal Models of Lupus Nephritis: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Lupus nephritis (LN) represents one of the most severe complications associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) characterized by a complex pathogenesis. Animal models play a pivotal role in elucidating the pathogenesis of LN, facilitating drug discovery, and evaluating therapeutic interventions. A diverse array of LN animal models is currently employed in research. Concurrently, the evaluation of these animal models' validity is of paramount importance. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the key characteristics of common spontaneous, inducible, humanized and knockout models, along with an assessment of the effectiveness of LN models. Through a comparative analysis of these models, this study offers valuable references and guidance for LN research.