Abstract: Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsuled yeast-like fungus. It is infectious and mainly damages pulmonary tissue and central nervous system. Adult with immunodepression is prone the infection of Cryptococcus neoformans. The mortality of Cryptococcus neoformans has increased significantly in the recent decade，which caused concerns of the researchers globally. Animal models played very important roles in the systemic exploration of the mechanism of infection. Mice, rats and guinea pigs were used numerously to develop Cryptococcus neoformans infection models. Pigs, rabbits and some non-mammals were also employed as candidates to develop animal models in drug development.These kind of animal models were crucial in the research of mechanism, immunology and treatment regimen of Cryptococcus neoformans. This article is to address the current situation of development of Cryptococcus neoformans animal models, and to sum up the achievements in this field.

Key words: Cryptococcus neoformans, Mouse model, Rat model, Non-mammal model