VANCOUVER, British Columbia--Data to be presented this week at the 7th
World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology (WCVD) Meeting 2012 will report
new insights into the disease pathways involved in allergic conditions
in dogs, Pfizer Animal Health announced today.
Researchers with Pfizer Animal Health’s Global Therapeutic Research
Group have, for the first time, identified a potential role for the
cytokine IL-31 in triggering itch responses in dogs. The research
indicates that canine IL-31 (cIL-31) triggers the activation of the
JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway on cells that express receptors for
IL-31 and may interact with IL-31 receptors on neurons to initiate a
signal that travels along the nerve to the brain and results in itching
in dogs.
“This work conducted by the research team demonstrates that the pathways
involved in itchy conditions in dogs are similar to those recognized in
the last decade in human dermatologic conditions such as atopic
dermatitis, psoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis,” said Candace
Sousa, DVM, DABVP, DACVD, a dermatologist and senior veterinary
specialist with the Pfizer Animal Health Veterinary Specialty Team. “The
development of new treatments aimed at improving itch heavily relies on
scientific advances such as these, which help uncover the neurochemical
and immunologic basis of the itch reaction.”
Discovery research presented by Andrea J. Gonzales, PhD, associate
research fellow in Global Therapeutic Research at Pfizer Animal Health,
investigated the biological function of cIL-31. Results from these
studies showed that cIL-31 can activate JAK/STAT pathways in cells that
express the cIL-31 receptor and induce pruritus, or itching, in dogs.
Serum IL-31 was also detectable in the majority of dogs with naturally
occurring atopic dermatitis, suggesting this cytokine may play an
important role in this common pruritic skin condition in dogs. When itch
occurs in dermatologic conditions in dogs, as well as humans, the
scratching and other pruritic behaviors that result—such as rubbing and
chewing—can cause further damage to the skin and initiate a cycle of
itch that isdifficult to relieve.
“Research by Dr. Gonzales and team provides important new insights that
demonstrate that further investigation into new therapies targeting
these disease pathways is warranted,” Sousa said.
Related research presented by Erin E. McCandless, PhD, principal
scientist in Global Therapeutic Research at Pfizer Animal Health,
investigated the mechanism by which cIL-31 may be involved in the
perpetuation of disease by identifying cellular sources of cIL-31 and
cells that respond to this cytokine. Results indicated that canine T
helper type 2 cells are a source of cIL-31. The findings also showed
that monocytic cells, keratinocytes and neuronal cells express the
cIL-31 receptor and represent cells that may respond to cIL-31.
“Scientific advances in neuroscience, immunology and dermatology have
shown that the pathobiology of pruritus is multifactorial—in animals as
well as humans,” said Valerie Fadok, DVM, PhD, DACVD, staff
dermatologist at Gulf Coast Veterinary Dermatology and Allergy, Houston,
Texas.
“Treatments aimed at improving itch in atopic and allergic dogs heavily
rely on these advances. Additional research is needed to understand the
causes of pruritus, to measure pruritus successfully and to develop new,
successful therapies.”
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader
in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal
health vaccines, medicines, diagnostic products and genetic tests. We
work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef
and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, sheep and fish while helping dogs,
cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal
health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians,
livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit https://animalhealth.pfizer.com.
The following Pfizer data focused on allergic skin conditions will be
presented at WCVD:
These new pathways are also described in an article—“Current
Understanding of the Pathophysiologic Mechanisms of Canine Atopic
Dermatitis”—in the July 15 edition of the Journal of the American
Veterinary Medical Association (Marsella R, Sousa C, Gonzales A, Fadok
V. JAVMA. Jul. 15, 2012; 241(2): 194-207).
For further information, Contact:
Deron Johnson
Pfizer Animal Health
973-660-5567
Deron.Johnson@pfizer.com
or
Emily Dahlbeck
archer>malmo
901-523-2000
edahlbeck@archermalmo.com