Interleukin-11 receptor alpha is expressed on canine osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumour in humans and companion animals, and has a poor long-term prognosis. The identification of new markers and targeted therapies may help increase long-term survival of these patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that interleukin-11 receptor alpha (IL-11Ralpha) is expressed in human and murine OSA but not in normal bone. The current study demonstrated via western analysis, immunoflourescence and immunohistochemistry that IL-11Ralpha was expressed in primary canine OSA tissues as well as in a number of canine OSA cell lines, but not in normal canine bone. Cytotoxin-conjugated antibodies targeting IL-11Ralpha-mediated canine OSA cytotoxicity. Thus, canine OSA may be a valuable model for the evaluation of IL-11Ralpha directed therapies.