Development and validation of a canine T-cell-dependent antibody response model for immunotoxicity evaluation

A T-cell dependent antibody response (TDAR) model to evaluate compounds for potential immunotoxicity in dogs has not been reported. The objective of these studies was to develop and validate a dog TDAR model using the T-cell dependent antigen, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Studies were conducted to determine the appropriate dose of KLH, immunization route and kinetics of the antibody response to KLH in the dog. To validate the sensitivity of this method, we investigated the TDAR to KLH in the dog with a known immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporine (Neoral). The results of this study demonstrate that a robust primary IgM and IgG response to KLH can be generated in dogs and the IgG response was sensitive to cyclosporine treatment.