Why Are In Vitro Models Important in Epidemiology?
In vitro models are essential in epidemiology for several reasons:
1. Mechanistic Understanding: They help elucidate the mechanisms of disease transmission and progression at the cellular and molecular levels. This understanding can inform public health strategies and interventions. 2. Drug Testing: These models are used to screen potential therapeutic agents and vaccines, enabling researchers to identify effective treatments before moving to clinical trials. 3. Ethical Considerations: In vitro studies provide an ethical alternative to animal and human testing, reducing the need for in vivo experiments that may pose ethical dilemmas.