The Virtuous Model for Scientific Experimentation.

The first research on the insect was published 85 years ago, and the larva is now widely used as a model to study infections caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens, for screening new antimicrobials, to study the adjacent immune response in co-infections or in host-pathogen interaction, as well as in a toxicity model. The immune system of the model shows remarkable similarities with mammals. Furthermore, results from correlate positively with mammalian models and with other invertebrate models. Unlike other invertebrate models, can withstand temperatures of 37 °C, and its handling and experimental procedures are simpler. Despite having some disadvantages, is a virtuous in vivo model to be used in preclinical studies, as an intermediate model between in vitro and mammalian in vivo studies, and is a great example on how to apply the bioethics principle of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in animal experimentation. This review aims to discuss the progress of the model, highlighting the key aspects of its use, including experimental design considerations and the necessity to standardize them. A different score in the "cocoon" category included in the Health Index Scoring System is also proposed.