Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the major human pathogens for tuberculosis, with one-third of the world population being infected. Although this bacterium can infect and cause diseases in many animals, humans are the natural host. For the purpose of studying the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, as well as the immunopathology of host responses against this pathogen, suitable animal models play a pivotal role. In this paper, the research models widely used in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection are elucidated, and their limitations and advantages are discussed.