The virtual symposium on "Innovative Animal Models in Complement Research" is organized by the International Complement Society.  Speakers will explore the essential role of animal models to dissect the mechanisms of complex disease, to test therapies and understand basic physiology. 

Mice serve as an ideal model for studying human disease mechanisms and testing new therapies due to deep evolutionary conservation and highly similar immune systems. This symposium highlights the unique advantages of using these highly manipulatable models—supported by extensive established reagents—to advance our understanding of complement research.  For instance, accumulating real-world data can often tell us who fails to respond to a therapy, but it cannot reveal why. Without the mechanistic "stress-tests" provided by mouse models, we often cannot differentiate between drug failure and the incorrect identification of the pathogenic pathways.  

Leading experts will discuss cutting-edge animal models that uncover how complement proteins modulate disease. The webinar will highlight the role that reporter mice and floxed models have in unpicking disease mechanisms in the context of an intact immune system and a lifetime; these insights help identify potential therapeutic targets.

Attendees will learn how mouse models power innovation, discern mechanism and challenge dogma. Through these discussions, the event will aim to showcase the role animal modelling plays in improving our fundamental understanding which will eventually improve patient outcomes.