Modelling the effect of infection on asthma

Infections are increasingly implicated in the development and exacerbation of asthma. Currently a variety of small animal models have been developed to investigate the role of infection in allergic disease and to serve as preclinical prototypes for human disease. These models have proved useful in elucidating some of the pathogenic mechanisms of this complex interaction but they do not always closely reflect the human disease. In this review we will assess the models available for the key infections associated with asthma in humans and highlight the attributes that make them useful for advancing our understanding of allergic disease and drug development.