RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: LABORATORY MODELS OF THE DISEASE

The establishment and application of animal models represent effective tools for research in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Animal models that replicate various mechanisms reflecting all aspects of RA, including early RA pathology, have provided important insights into studying etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms of RA in humans. This review article was compiled in order to give an introduction to the current state of RA models. Application of these experimental disorders for testing potential therapeutic approaches will help to make better predictions for drug efficiency in human RA.