Clinical and Immunological Responses to Dermatophagoides farinae Allergen Immunotherapy in Dogs With Atopic Dermatitis.

Df allergen immunotherapy reduces pruritus and medication use in sensitized atopic dogs over 12 months.

This prospective cohort study evaluated clinical and immunological responses to Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in 15 dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) over a 12-month period. Clinical assessments included CADESI-04 scores, pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), and medication scores, while immunological markers encompassed IL-31 and IFN-γ gene expression in PBMCs, serum Df-specific IgE, total IgG, and IgG subclass 1. Statistically significant reductions were observed in pruritus scores and IL-31 expression, alongside a significant increase in IFN-γ expression, suggesting a shift from Th2-dominant toward a more balanced immune response. CADESI-04 scores showed a downward trend but did not reach statistical significance, likely limited by the small sample size. Medication use decreased over the study period, indicating improved clinical control. Serum IgG and IgG1 concentrations increased, potentially reflecting a blocking antibody mechanism, while Df-specific IgE remained elevated throughout. These findings are consistent with known immunological mechanisms of ASIT, including immune deviation and tolerance induction. The study provides encouraging evidence supporting the efficacy of Df ASIT in reducing pruritus and medication burden in sensitized dogs. However, the absence of a control group and small cohort size are notable limitations. The authors recommend larger, controlled trials to validate these results and better characterize the immunological pathways involved in canine ASIT responses.

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