CU investigators have created a transgenic mouse model that overexpresses IL-5 in the oesophageal epithelium and serves as a mouse model for inflammatory changes associated with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). Tissue-specific expression of IL-5 is achieved using the squamous epithelial promoter Epstein-Barr virus ED-L2. These mice have expanded eosinophilopoietic compartments, increased circulating eosinophils, and histopathological changes associated with human EoE. Therefore, these mice represent a novel experimental model of EoE that can be used in preclinical drug testing or in studies focused on the underlying mechanisms of EoE.
Masterson JC, McNamee EN, Hosford L, et al. Local hypersensitivity reaction in transgenic mice with squamous epithelial IL-5 overexpression provides a novel model of eosinophilic oesophagitis. Gut. 2014;63(1):43-53.