[r9etb]

In mice, the researchers found ...

Mouse studies are always suggestive, but often don't carry over to humans. We can hope they're right, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[allmendream]

The only better model systems than rats and mice are non-human primates, and that is because the close genetic similarity we share with rats and mice is even greater between us and other primates.

Usually rats and mice are used for initial studies because they are inexpensive. These studies are then confirmed in a non rodent animal model (usually dogs), then in non-human primates, then tested in humans.

Only if the treatment is found to be efficacious in rodents will it usually be moved on to NH-primates and then humans.

The CD proteins are likely to be very similar between all these species, so the molecular interactions should be similar enough to maintain efficacy.