Animal models for inflammatory mucosal disease and their potential for studying the microbiome in chronic rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a morbid condition of the paranasal sinuses which severely impairs patients’ quality of life. CRS represents one of the leading diseases that are responsible for antibiotic prescriptions. However, there is little evidence to support the efficacy of antibiotics in CRS. Due to the highly heterogeneous nature of CRS determining the underlying etiology is challenging. The mucosal microbiome has been hypothesised to play a role in the pathophysiology of CRS. Several attempts to establish a representative model of CRS have been made to help determine the pathogenesis of this condition. This review summarises the current literature on model systems for inflammatory sinus disease. Fourteen different studies are discussed, including mouse, rabbit and sheep as model organisms. A detailed description of the methods for model development and examples for their application are provided. Focus is put on animal models that should be suitable for studying the sinonasal microbiome in CRS. To date, only two studies sought to employ their model for microbiome analysis. Other models are included for which there is currently no microbiome information, however they are of potential use in this regard and we thus discuss their suitability. This review identifies a need for further employment of animal models of CRS for microbiome research. Recently, a rabbit model of CRS featuring several qualities that make it particularly suitable for microbiological research has been described. This model system represents a further advance of translational research in the field of CRS.