Effect of Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy on Transcriptomic Changes in Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a chronic, pruritic skin disease with a genetic basis.
• Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment for allergies.
• Understanding immune system changes during ASIT is crucial for managing cAD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze gene expression changes in peripheral blood nuclear cells of cAD patients undergoing ASIT.
• To identify specific genes involved in the immune response modulation during ASIT for cAD.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptomic analysis of blood samples from cAD dogs before and after ASIT.
• Comparison of gene expression profiles between treated cAD dogs and healthy controls.
• Statistical analysis to identify differentially expressed transcripts and genes.

Main Results:

• 521 differentially expressed transcripts were identified, with 241 having known functions.
• Expression of nine selected genes (RARRES2, DPP10, SLPI, PLSCR4, MMP9, NTSR1, CBD103, DEFB122, IL36G) was analyzed.
• Five genes (DPP10, PLSCR4, NTSR1, DEFB122, IL36G) showed altered expression post-ASIT, with three returning to healthy control levels.

Conclusions:

• ASIT induces significant changes in gene expression in cAD patients.
• Specific genes like DPP10, PLSCR4, NTSR1, DEFB122, and IL36G are implicated in ASIT's therapeutic effects.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the role of these genes in ASIT-induced immune tolerance.