Animal and Cell Culture Models for Cystic Fibrosis: Which Model is Right for Your Application?

Abstract Over the last 30 years a range of cystic fibrosis (CF) animal models have been generated for research purposes. Species including mice, rats, ferrets, rabbits, pigs, sheep, zebrafish and fruit flies have all been used to model CF disease. Access to such a variety of animal models is a luxury for any research field, but it also complicates the decision-making process when it comes to selecting the right model for an investigation. The purpose of this review is to provide a guide for selecting the most appropriate CF animal model for any given application. In this review, the characteristics and phenotypes of each animal model are described, along with a discussion of the key considerations that must be taken into account when choosing a suitable animal. Available in vitro systems of CF are also described and can offer a useful alternative to using animal models. Finally, the future of CF animal model generation and their use in research is speculated upon.