Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
DNA vaccine shows promise for treating dog atopic dermatitis
By Bizikova, Petra et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2026·College of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Efficacy of Der f 2/Zen 1-LAMP1 Plasmid-Based Vaccine Immunotherapy in Dogs With Atopic Dermatitis: A Proof-of-Concept Study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with atopic dermatitis (a skin condition causing itching and irritation) received a new DNA vaccine designed to help reduce their symptoms. Over 24 weeks, many dogs showed improvement in their itching and overall skin condition, with about 71% achieving significant relief. Owners reported that the vaccine worked well for their pets, and no serious side effects were noted. This study suggests that the DNA vaccine could be a safe and effective option for dogs suffering from this condition, but further research is needed to confirm its benefits.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: DNA-based vaccination rapidly induces strong cellular and humoral immune responses, which may be enhanced by inclusion of lysosomal-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP). OBJECTIVES: This proof-of-concept study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a Der f 2/Zen 1-LAMP-based DNA vaccine immunotherapy in client-owned dogs with nonseasonal AD sensitised to Dermatophagoides farinae (Df). ANIMALS: Fifteen dogs positive for Df only and 20 dogs with reactivity to additional environmental allergens received either a low (0.5 mg/0.1 mL) or high (2 mg/0.4 mL) dose of the vaccine intradermally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four doses of vaccine were administered every 2 weeks. Pruritus, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-04, average daily medication scores (AvdMS) and adverse events (AE) were recorded over 24 weeks. Owner perception of treatment efficacy (OGATE) was assessed at the end. RESULTS: Pruritus and CADESI-04 improved regardless of the sensitisation profile and the vaccine dose. After 24 weeks, despite a statistically insignificant reduction of AvdMS, 71%, 46% and 86% of dogs reached PVAS < 3.6, PVAS < 2 and CADESI-04 < 10, respectively. There was no statistically significant effect of AvdMS on PVAS or CADESI-04, meaning that the concurrently administered topical and/or systemic treatment(s) were unlikely to have been responsible for the observed PVAS and CADESI-04 reduction. Twenty-one owners (60%) rated the vaccine efficacy as good-to-excellent. No severe AEs were reported. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results of this proof-of-concept study support not only the safety of DNA vaccine immunotherapy in dogs with AD, but also its potential clinical benefits. A double-blinded, ≥ 12 month long, controlled study with more subjects should follow to further confirm the true efficacy of this vaccine.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41287364/