Open trial of recombinant Der f 2 pullulan-conjugated immunotherapy in cats.

BACKGROUND: Allermmune HDM (Zenoaq) is a recombinant Dermatophagoides farinae 2 (Der f 2) pullulan-based immunotherapy vaccine whose efficacy on house dust mite allergic dogs has been demonstrated. There is no published information on its use in cats. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and short-term effects of Allermmune HDM in Dermatophagoides farinae (Df)-sensitised cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven cats diagnosed with atopic skin syndrome received Allermmune weekly for six weeks then monthly for three months (total duration 18 weeks). On Weeks 0, 6 and 18 clinical lesions were assessed by the Feline Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (FEDESI); owners assessed pruritus with a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (pVAS). Concurrent medication use was recorded. The allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E were measured before study inclusion with a commercial serological assay. RESULTS: There were no evident adverse effects. FEDESI and pVAS improved significantly after six weeks (p = 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). The pretreatment Df-specific IgE levels were significantly higher in the cats with improved clinical scores than in the cats with no clinical score change (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Allermmune HDM may be safe in cats and has the potential to alleviate signs of atopic skin syndrome. Allergen-specific IgE levels may represent an efficacy marker. Controlled studies of longer duration and larger sample size are worth pursuing.

Cancer Immunotherapy.

The enhanced understanding of immunology experienced over the last 5 decades afforded through the tools of molecular biology has recently translated into cancer immunotherapy becoming one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding fields. Human cancer immunotherapy is now recognized as one of the pillars of treatment alongside surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The field of veterinary cancer immunotherapy has also rapidly advanced in the last decade with a handful of commercially available products and a plethora of investigational cancer immunotherapies, which will hopefully expand our veterinary oncology treatment toolkit over time.

Modified rush venom immunotherapy in dogs with Hymenoptera hypersensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Hymenoptera envenomation occurs frequently in people and dogs and can trigger anaphylaxis. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only preventive treatment for Hymenoptera hypersensitivity and is indicated for people with severe adverse reactions to insect stings. Rush VIT is an accelerated VIT protocol in people. This has not been reported in dogs. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety of modified rush VIT. ANIMALS: Twenty client-owned dogs with Hymenoptera hypersensitivity based on a history of adverse reactions to Hymenoptera envenomation and a positive intradermal test to honey bee and/or paper wasp venom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs received incremental doses of venom via subcutaneous injection one day per week for three consecutive weeks until the maintenance dose was achieved. Vital signs were recorded every 30 min prior to venom administration. Adverse reactions were categorised as localised or grade I-IV systemic reactions. RESULTS: Nineteen of 20 dogs (95%) completed rush VIT. One dog experienced a grade III systemic adverse reaction and was withdrawn from the study. No adverse reactions occurred in 10 of 20 dogs (50%). Localised and grade I-II systemic reactions occurred in nine of 20 dogs (45%), including nausea (n = 5), injection site pruritus (n = 3) and diarrhoea and lethargy (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Modified rush VIT in dogs was well-tolerated and should be considered for dogs with Hymenoptera hypersensitivity. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of VIT in dogs for preventing hypersensitivity reactions to insect stings.

The safety of rush immunotherapy in the management of canine atopic dermatitis-230 cases.

BACKGROUND: The duration of the induction phase of allergen-specific immunotherapy conventionally is a period of several weeks, during which the volume of an allergen solution, administered by injection, is gradually increased until the maintenance dose is reached. In rush immunotherapy (RIT), the induction period is abbreviated to achieve a faster improvement in clinical signs of atopic dermatitis (AD) compared to conventional immunotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety of RIT in 230 dogs with AD and report any adverse effects (AE). ANIMALS: Two hundred thirty client-owned dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs receiving RIT between 2012 and 2021 were analysed and observed AE were investigated. All dogs underwent RIT following a protocol of subcutaneous allergen extract injections, given hourly with an incrementally increasing volume from 0.1 to 1.0 mL. RESULTS: Adverse effects were documented in 6 of 230 (2.6%) dogs. Five of these dogs (2.2%) showed mild gastrointestinal signs (1 of 5 vomiting, 4 of 5 diarrhoea) and one patient an increase in body temperature by 1.5°C. These occurred at different stages of the RIT protocol. All AE were graded as mild and self-limiting. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on these data, supervised RIT in dogs appears to be a safe procedure to achieve the maintenance dose of allergen immunotherapy earlier with infrequent and mild AE.

Chronic adrenergic stress and generation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells: Implications for cancer immunotherapy in dogs.

Recent studies have highlighted a key role played by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and adrenergic stress in mediating immune suppression associated with chronic inflammation in cancer and other diseases. The connection between chronic SNS activation, adrenergic stress and immune suppression is linked in part to the ability of catecholamines to stimulate the bone marrow release and differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Rodent model studies have revealed an important role for ß-adrenergic receptor signalling in suppression of cancer immunity in mice subjected to chronic stresses, including thermal stress. Importantly, therapeutic blockade of beta-adrenergic responses by drugs such as propranolol can partially reverse the generation and differentiation of MDSC, and partly restore tumour immunity. Clinical trials in both humans and dogs with cancer have demonstrated that propranolol blockade can improve responses to radiation therapy, cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, the SNS stress response has become an important new target to relieve immune suppression in cancer and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Outcomes from an anti-gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunotherapeutic trial in large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus).

OBJECTIVE: The anti-GnRH immunotherapeutic product Improvest was administered to intact male large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) under managed care for androgen mitigation, leading to a decrease in agonistic behaviors, falls, and injuries from conspecific attention. ANIMALS: 12 males were included in this study. PROCEDURES: Eleven bats received subcutaneous (SC) Improvest interscapular, and 1 animal received Improvest SC in its leg. Assessments included clinical presentation, treatment, behavior, and urine and fecal glucocorticoid metabolites and testosterone (T5) concentrations. RESULTS: Eleven of the 12 bats developed reactions, which included facial edema, localized irritation, swelling of the head and neck, and pruritus with varying degrees of skin ulceration and subsequent necrosis. Three of the animals required extensive treatments, and the 1 animal who received the injection in its leg was unaffected. Posttreatment, fecal glucocorticoid metabolite and/or T5 values were at or below the nonbreeding season baseline for 3 successive breeding seasons, and there was a reduction in agonistic interactions, falls, and injuries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A behavioral characteristic of this species is to focus on areas of irritation that exacerbated the extent of the skin wounds. Some cases required medical, surgical, and behavioral intervention. Large flying foxes may be particularly sensitive to this immunotherapeutic when given subcutaneously in the interscapular region. Despite this reaction, the positive long-term effects on behavior and multiyear reduction of hormones suggest that the use of this immunotherapeutic warrants further investigation, although the results should be taken into consideration with other factors such as handling, treatments, chronicity of lesions.

Efficacy of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy in atopic dogs: A retrospective study of 664 cases.

BACKGROUND: Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is an allergic skin disease affecting approximately 10% of dogs. allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is currently the only treatment option able to induce tolerance to the causative allergens. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively establish the efficacy of ASIT in atopic dogs. ANIMALS: Client-owned (n  = 664) dogs with cAD presented between 2008 and 2018 to two dermatology referral clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of atopic dogs were reviewed to obtain information including the results of the intradermal skin test and/or allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E serological results, the allergens included in the ASIT, concurrent symptomatic medications, and ASIT efficacy after at least 9 months. RESULTS: Excellent (ASIT alone controlled clinical signs), good (≥50% reduction of clinical signs) and poor (<50% improvement) responses were seen in 31.5%, 28.5% and 40.1% of the dogs, respectively. No significant differences in efficacy were associated with breed, sex, age at initiation of ASIT, type of allergens in ASIT, and between clinics. Dogs re-examined regularly responded significantly better to ASIT than dogs that did not (>50% improvement in 69.3% and 55.4% of the dogs, respectively). Dogs treated with ASIT and concomitant systemic glucocorticoids showed a significantly poorer response (success rate of >50% improvement of 38.5%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In 59.9% of atopic dogs, subcutaneous ASIT can improve clinical signs by ≥50%. The beneficial effect of ASIT is higher if dogs are re-examined regularly and if systemic long-term corticosteroids are avoided, at least during the first 9 months of ASIT.

Contexte - La dermatite atopique canine (DAC) est une maladie cutanée allergique qui touche environ 10 % des chiens. L'immunothérapie allergénique (ASIT) est actuellement la seule option thérapeutique capable d'induire une tolérance aux allergènes responsables. Objectif - Établir rétrospectivement l'efficacité de l'ASIT chez les chiens atopiques. Animaux - Chiens de clients (n = 664) atteints de DAC présentés entre 2008 et 2018 à deux cliniques de référé en dermatologie. Méthodes - Les dossiers cliniques des chiens atopiques ont été examinés pour obtenir des informations, notamment les résultats du test cutané intradermique et / ou les résultats sérologiques de l'immunoglobuline (Ig) E spécifique d'allergène, les allergènes inclus dans l'ASIT, les médicaments symptomatiques concomitants et l'efficacité de l'ASIT après au moins neuf mois. Résultats - Des réponses excellentes (signes cliniques contrôlés par l'ASIT seul), bonnes (réduction ≥ 50 % des signes cliniques) et médiocres (amélioration < 50 %) ont été observées chez 31,5 %, 28,5 % et 40,1 % des chiens, respectivement. Aucune différence significative d'efficacité n'a été associée à la race, au sexe, à l'âge au début de l'ASIT, au type d'allergènes dans l'ASIT et entre les cliniques. Les chiens réexaminés régulièrement ont répondu significativement mieux à l'ASIT que les chiens qui ne l'ont pas fait (amélioration > 50 % chez 69,3 % et 55,4 % des chiens, respectivement). Les chiens traités avec l'ASIT et des glucocorticoïdes systémiques concomitants ont montré une réponse significativement plus faible (taux de réussite > 50 % d'amélioration de 38,5 %). Conclusions et importance clinique - Chez 59,9 % des chiens atopiques, l'ASIT sous-cutanée peut améliorer les signes cliniques de ≥ 50 %. L'effet bénéfique de l'ASIT est plus élevé si les chiens sont réexaminés régulièrement et si les corticostéroïdes systémiques à long terme sont évités, au moins pendant les neuf premiers mois de l'ASIT.

Introducción- la dermatitis atópica canina (cAD) es una enfermedad alérgica de la piel que afecta aproximadamente al 10 % de los perros. La inmunoterapia con alérgenos (ASIT) es actualmente la única opción de tratamiento capaz de inducir tolerancia a los alérgenos causantes. Objetivo- establecer retrospectivamente la eficacia de ASIT en perros atópicos. Animales- perros de propietarios particulares (n=664) con cAD presentados entre 2008 y 2018 a dos clínicas de referencia de dermatología. Métodos- se revisaron las historias clínicas de los perros atópicos para obtener información, incluidos los resultados de la prueba cutánea intradérmica y/o los resultados serológicos de la inmunoglobulina (Ig)E específica para alérgenos, los alérgenos incluidos en el ASIT, los medicamentos sintomáticos concurrentes y la eficacia del ASIT después de al menos menos nueve meses. Resultados- se observaron respuestas excelentes (la ASIT sola controló los signos clínicos), buenas (≥50 % de reducción de los signos clínicos) y malas (<50 % de mejora) en el 31,5 %, 28,5 % y 40,1 % de los perros, respectivamente. No se asociaron diferencias significativas en la eficacia con la raza, el sexo, la edad al inicio de la ASIT, el tipo de alérgenos en la ASIT y entre las clínicas. Los perros reexaminados con regularidad respondieron significativamente mejor a la ASIT que los perros que no lo hicieron (>50 % de mejora en el 69,3 % y el 55,4 % de los perros, respectivamente). Los perros tratados con ASIT y glucocorticoides sistémicos concomitantes mostraron una respuesta significativamente peor (tasa de éxito de >50 % de mejora del 38,5 %). Conclusiones e importancia clínica - En el 59,9% de los perros atópicos, la ASIT subcutánea puede mejorar los signos clínicos en ≥50%. El efecto beneficioso de la ASIT es mayor si los perros se vuelven a examinar con regularidad y si se evitan los corticosteroides sistémicos a largo plazo, al menos durante los primeros nueve meses de la ASIT.

Contexto - A dermatite atópica canina (DAC) é uma doença alérgica que afeta aproximadamente 10% dos cães. A imunoterapia alérgeno-específica (ASIT) é atualmente a única opção terapêutica capaz de induzir tolerância aos alérgenos causadores. Objetivo - Estabelecer retrospectivamente a eficácia da ASIT em cães atópicos. Animais - Cães de proprietários (664) com DAC apresentados a duas clínicas de referência em dermatologia entre 2008 e 2018. Métodos - Os prontuários dos cães atópicos foram revisados para se obter informações incluindo os resultados dos testes intradérmicos e/ou sorológicos para anticorpos (IgE) alérgeno-específicos, os alérgenos incluídos na ASIT, medicações sintomáticas concomitantes, e a eficácia de ASIT após um mínimo de nove meses. Resultados - Resposta excelente (ASIT controlou os sinais clínicos sozinha), boa (redução ≥50% nos sinais clínicos) e pobre (<50% de melhora) foi observada em 31,5%, 28,5% e 40,1% dos cães, respectivamente. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na eficácia em relação a raça, gênero, idade à iniciação da ASIT, tipo de alérgenos na ASIT e entre as clínicas. Os cães reavaliados periodicamente responderam significativamente melhor à ASIT que cães que não foram reavaliados com frequência (>50% de melhora em 69,3% e 55,4% dos cães, respectivamente). Cães tratados com ASIT e glicocorticoides sistêmicos concomitantemente demonstraram uma resposta significativamente mais pobre (a taxa de sucesso >50% ocorreu em 38,5%). Conclusões e importância clínica - Em 59,9% dos cães atópicos, ASIT subcutânea é capaz de melhorar os sinais clínicos em ≥50%. O efeito benéfico de ASIT foi maior se os cães fossem reavaliados regularmente e se corticoides sistêmicos a longo prazo fossem evitados, ao menos durante os primeiros meses de ASIT.

Developing a translational murine-to-canine pathway for an IL-2/agonist anti-CD40 antibody cancer immunotherapy.

Human and canine sarcomas are difficult to treat soft tissue malignancies with an urgent need for new improved therapeutic options. Local recurrence rates for humans are between 10%-30%, and 30%-40% develop metastases. Outcomes for dogs with sarcoma vary with grade but can be similar. Pet dogs share the human environment and represent human cancer with genetic variation in hosts and tumours. We asked if our murine studies using genetically identical mice and cloned tumour cells were translatable to larger, genetically diverse domestic dogs with naturally occurring tumours, to (i) develop a canine cancer therapeutic, and (ii) to use as a translational pathway to humans. Our murine studies showed that intra-tumoral delivery of interleukin-2 (IL-2) plus an agonist anti-CD40 antibody (Ab) induces long-term curative responses ranging from 30% to 100%, depending on tumour type. We developed an agonist anti-canine-CD40 Ab and conducted a phase I dose finding/toxicology 3 + 3 clinical trial in dogs (n = 27) with soft tissue sarcomas on account of suitability for intratumoral injection and straightforward monitoring. Dogs were treated with IL-2 plus anti-CD40 antibody for 2 weeks. Three dose levels induced tumour regression with minimal side effects, measured by monitoring, haematological and biochemical assays. Importantly, our mouse and canine studies provide encouraging fundamental proof-of-concept data upon which we can develop veterinary and human immunotherapeutic strategies.

Adverse events associated with venomous insect immunotherapy and clinical outcomes in 82 dogs (2002-2020).

BACKGROUND: Limited information is known on adverse events and efficacy associated with venomous insect immunotherapy (VIT) in canine patients. OBJECTIVES: To assess adverse events associated with VIT and perceived efficacy of VIT. ANIMALS: Records from 82 client-owned animals which received VIT were assessed. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective review of records from 2002 to 2020. Clinical history, adverse events during therapy and observations following field stings were collected from all records. Patients were grouped into reactors and nonreactors based on whether or not an adverse event had occurred during therapy. Records were evaluated to determine if a field sting had occurred and the severity of the reaction was compared to pretreatment reaction. RESULTS: Of 82 patients that were identified, 26 experienced a minimum of one adverse event. No deaths or severe anaphylactic reactions were reported. The most common adverse event was gastrointestinal upset. The overall reaction rate per injection was 2.8%. Only variation in sensitisation level (the minimum concentration of venom which elicited a positive intradermal reaction) was significantly different between groups (P = 0.014). Forty-one field challenges in 26 patients were documented. Therapy reduced the severity of reactions in 87.8% of challenges. No deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: Venom immunotherapy appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for prevention of anaphylaxis due to insect stings in canine patients.

Interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 plasma levels in atopic dogs before and during immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Human studies suggest that the cytokines, interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) may play an important role in allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). However, there is little known about the function of these cytokines in atopic dogs. This study compared the plasma levels of IL-10 and TGF-ß1 in atopic and control dogs and investigated their changes during different ASIT approaches. METHODS: A total of 54 atopic and 32 control dogs were included. Immunotherapy was performed in 30 atopic dogs. The dogs undergoing immunotherapy were allocated to four groups of different ASIT approaches (namely subcutaneous, intralymphatic, sublingual ASIT and subcutaneous ASIT with recombinant allergens). Blood samples were collected at four timepoints throughout the one year of ASIT. Canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index, pruritus visual analogue scale and medication score were recorded at each timepoint. Commercially available ELISA kits were used to quantify IL-10 and TGF-ß1 in plasma. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in IL-10 and TGF-ß1 between atopic and control dogs. The IL-10 levels were significantly increased in the intralymphatic group at the end of the study. No significant differences were found in the other groups for both IL-10 and TGF-ß1. CONCLUSION: The findings of this work suggest that IL-10 and TGF-ß1 cannot be used to monitor the course of the disease during ASIT.

Determination of the efficacy rate and time-to-efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is reported to have a success rate of 50-70% when given for up to 12 months to dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). How soon ASIT is clinically effective is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy rate (ER) and time-to-efficacy (TTE) of various types of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) administered using conventional dosing regimens using the methodology of a critically appraised topic. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three databases were searched to extract information on the ER and TTE of SCIT in dogs with AD. Herein, "efficacy" was defined as a ≥50% reduction in pruritus and/or skin lesions, and the TTE as the time needed to achieve such a reduction. RESULTS: We selected 12 publications including 194 dogs. The ER was significantly higher with the polymerised allergoids coupled with nonoxidized mannan than for the "classic" aqueous and alum-precipitated SCIT types. A TTE of three months or shorter was seen in a significantly higher proportion of dogs receiving mannan-couple allergoids, pullulan-conjugated Der f 2 or tyrosine-adjuvanted than aqueous or alum-precipitated SCIT; with the latter two formulations, the TTE might be nine months or longer in ≤20% of atopic dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In spite of the low number of articles available for review and small number of enrolled dogs, novel SCIT regimens appear to have a faster - and possibly higher - efficacy than the currently available aqueous or alum-precipitated formulations. A standardisation of outcome measures for ASIT clearly is needed to allow a more meaningful comparison between SCIT types.

Detection of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1-expressing cells in canine normal and tumor tissues.

Cancer immunotherapy is a novel cancer treatment for canine tumors. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is overexpressed in some human tumors and inhibits antitumor immunity. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated expression pattern of IDO1 and the nature of IDO1-expressing cells in canine normal and tumor tissues. In normal tissue samples, IDO1 expression was detected only in the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsil tissues, and colon tissues. In contrast, IDO1-positive tumor cells were observed in several tumor tissue types. This is the first study to evaluate IDO1 expression in canine normal and tumor tissues, and the results suggest that IDO1 is a promising target for novel cancer immunotherapy in dogs with tumors.

There and back again: Translating adoptive cell therapy to canine cancer and improving human treatment.

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a burgeoning therapeutic modality within human immuno-oncology. Novel approaches towards ACT are being developed in the pre-clinical setting faster than they can be evaluated in human clinical trials. Many of the therapeutic approaches used in human medicine have already been evaluated to some degree in canine patients. While this form of immunotherapy in veterinary medicine is still in its infancy, as these approaches develop, canine ACT will become a tool for both the veterinary oncologist and the translational researcher. This review details canine ACT trials to date, with attention given to the precedents provided by human oncology.

Intradermal immunotherapy with actinomycetales preparations as treatment for feline atopic syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: Feline atopic syndrome (FAS) is a common disease. Single intradermal injections of heat-killed actinomycetales have shown beneficial effects in canine allergies. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of heat-killed actinomycetales [Gordonia bronchialis (GB) and Rodococcus coprophilus (RC)], alone or in combination, in FAS. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Privately owned cats with a diagnosis of FAS were assigned randomly in three treatment groups (GB, RC and GB/RC combination) or placebo. Five intradermal injections were performed over a one year period. At each visit [Day (D)0, D20, D40, D60, D90, D180 and D365], clinical signs, global owner assessment score, use of rescue medications, clinical adverse effects, skin hydration and cutaneous pH were assessed. RESULTS: Seventeen cats were enrolled. When compared to the placebo group and improvement in treatment GB was sustained from D90. When compared with D0 significant improvement in the GB group was seen from D60. Over one year, a complete remission of the clinical signs was seen in 30-67% of cats in the treatment groups. A reduction in the pruritus score was seen for RC after 365 days of treatment (P = 0.04). Differences in the other variables were not seen. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The use of multiple intradermal injections of heat-killed GB shows promise as effective and well-tolerated treatment for FAS. Because of the low cost and the lack of adverse effects, GB could be a beneficial treatment option for FAS. A larger study is needed to confirm these data and to evaluate the immunological changes occurring in the treated cats.

Clinical efficacy of sublingual allergen-specific immunotherapy in 22 cats with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been deployed in humans and dogs; to the best of the authors' knowledge, there are no published studies about the use of SLIT in cats. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the clinical efficacy of SLIT in atopic cats sensitized to dust and storage mites, assessing immunological changes associated with SLIT treatment. ANIMALS: Twenty-two client-owned cats with clinical signs compatible with feline atopic dermatitis (fAD) and serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E against house dust and storage mites. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Prospective, multicentre, open-label clinical trial. Individualized mite-specific SLIT was administered orally for 12 months. All cats underwent clinical examination to record SCORing feline allergic dermatitis (SCORFAD), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) and serum allergen-specific IgE and IgG, every three months for 12 months. RESULTS: Sixteen of 22 cats (73%) completed the study and three of six cats withdrawn from the study were included in an intention-to-treat analysis. SCORFAD and pVAS values decreased significantly from baseline (T0) to the third month of treatment (P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0013, respectively), with median total values ranging from 19 (6-44) (T0) to 2.5 (0-17) (T12) (P = 0.0001), and from 8 (6-10) (T0) to 2.3 (0-8) (T12) (P = 0.0001), respectively. Allergen-specific IgE values decreased significantly from the ninth month (T9) of treatment (P = 0.0032), with median scores decreasing from 56 (12-729) (T0) to 34 (0-158) (T12) (P = 0.0208). No significant differences in allergen-specific IgG values were observed throughout the study. No adverse effects related to the use of SLIT were reported. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Sublingual immunotherapy should be considered a rapid, effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment in cats with feline atopic dermatitis fAD.

Treatment of the feline atopic syndrome - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Feline allergic skin disease and asthma occur regularly in small animal practice. OBJECTIVES: To provide evidence-based recommendations for small animal practitioners on the treatment of feline atopic syndrome (FAS). METHODS AND MATERIALS: The authors reviewed the literature available before February 2020, prepared a detailed evidence-based literature review and made recommendations based on the evaluated evidence. RESULTS: Sixty-six papers and abstracts were identified describing treatment interventions for FAS and evaluated to establish treatment recommendations. For many treatment options, the papers were retrospective, open studies or case reports. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this review, there was good evidence for the efficacy of systemic glucocorticoids and ciclosporin, and limited evidence for the efficacy of topical glucocorticoids, oclacitinib and allergen-specific immunotherapy in feline atopic skin syndrome. Evidence pointed to low-to-moderate efficacy for antihistamines, fatty acids and palmitoyl ethanolamide. In feline asthma, there was good evidence for the efficacy of oral and inhaled glucocorticoids, and limited evidence of moderate efficacy for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Evidence supported low-to-moderate efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells, inhaled lidocaine and oclacitinib as treatments for feline asthma. For almost all therapeutic options (with the exception of glucocorticoids and ciclosporin), more randomised controlled trials are needed.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression in Equine Sarcoids.

The aim of the study was to assess the expression of the immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in equine sarcoids (ES). Programmed death-ligand 1 is expressed by various cancer cells to block T cell-mediated elimination of tumor cells. Antibodies targeting human PD-L1 were tested by immunohistochemistry for their cross-reactivity with equine PD-L1 using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. Our results do not support an important role of PD-L1-mediated immune evasion in ES disease and hence do not offer a rationale for anti-PD-1/PD-L1-based immunotherapy against ES.

THE USE OF INTRADERMAL ALLERGY TESTING FOR ALLERGIC DERMATITIS IN PTEROPID BATS AND TREATMENT WITH ALLERGEN SPECIFIC IMMUNOTHERAPY: A CASE SERIES.

This case series describes the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis and management with allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) based on intradermal allergy testing (IDAT) and adjunctive medical therapy in six pteropid bats; five large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus); and one variable flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus). The cases ranged from 2 to 15 yr of age at the time of presentation. Clinical signs varied between individuals and included moist ulcerative cutaneous lesions in nonhaired skin, blepharoconjunctivitis, alopecia, and pruritus. All bats underwent IDAT under general anesthesia, and reactive allergens included a mixture of grasses, trees, weeds, and biting insects. Three of the six cases (50%) had reformulation of the ASIT before control of clinical signs was seen, and two bats were treated with the addition of oclacitinib (Apoquel). Severe adverse effects were not identified; however, one bat had self-limiting swelling at the immunotherapy injection site. All six cases showed improvement of clinical signs and perceived comfort level, including in subsequent allergy seasons.

Specific Dermatophagoides farinae extract for canine immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a pruritic allergic skin disease most often caused by Dermatophagoides farinae. Differences in the sensitization profile to D. farinae have been reported between people and dogs. However, allergic dogs traditionally have been treated with extracts intended for human immunotherapy. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To develop a specific allergen immunotherapy for veterinary practice enriched in canine major allergens and to demonstrate its in vitro efficacy. ANIMALS: Twenty privately owned dogs, clinically diagnosed with cAD, and three healthy dogs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A veterinary D. farinae allergen extract was manufactured and characterized compared to D. farinae extract used for human immunotherapy. The protein profile was analysed by SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography and Der f 15 and Der f 18 allergens quantified by mass spectrometry. The allergenic profile was studied by immunoblot and the biological potency by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-inhibition assays. The extract's capacity to induce cytokine production [interleukin (IL)-10, interferon (IFN)-Ɣ] by peripheral blood mononuclear cells also was evaluated. RESULTS: The veterinary extract showed a higher content of high molecular weight proteins, preferentially recognized by atopic dog sera. The fold-increases in Der f 15 and Der f 18 with respect to the human extract were 2.07 ± 0.32 and 1.63 ± 0.15, respectively. The veterinary extract showed higher biological potency (0.062 versus 0.132 µg required for 50% inhibition of dogs sera) compared to the human extract and induced significantly higher levels of IL-10 (1,780 pg/mL) and IFN-Ɣ (50.4 pg/mL) with respect to the negative control. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A veterinary D. farinae extract with a higher content of dog major allergens was developed and in vitro efficacy demonstrated by immunological parameters.