New research, published in ImmunoHorizons, paves the way for more personalized veterinary care for dogs that could help dog owners make informed decisions that keep their pets healthier longer. The researchers identified patterns in markers of the immune system that are specific to both individual dogs and breeds of dog. Together these patterns could help develop simple blood tests to inform treatment and diagnostic decisions.
The study, led by Dr. Ravi Sachidanandam in collaboration with Waltham Research Institute, looked at a component of the immune system called T cell receptors (TCRs) in four breeds of dog: Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Norfolk Terriers, and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens.
As in humans, TCRs in dogs play an important role in adaptive immunity, the branch of the immune system that recognizes, eliminates, and remembers previously encountered pathogens. TCRs are located on the surface of immune T cells and are responsible for recognizing pathogens to induce an immune response. TCR repertoires refer to the diverse set of TCRs found in an individual and can provide information about the overall health and function of the immune system.
Using blood samples collected from each dog, the researchers analyzed the samples to determine certain characteristics of TCRs. They found that TCR repertoires were specific to individual dogs meaning that it could be possible to use a simple blood test to map a dog’s TCR profile and track changes in immune health over time. The researchers also found patterns dependent on the breed in the TCR repertoires, meaning diagnostics and therapies for different diseases could be tailored to breed-specific immune characteristics, improving accuracy and effectiveness.
“Tailoring diagnostics and treatments for both breeds and individual dogs opens the door for more personalized veterinary care that improves the lives of pets and pet-owners,” said Dr. Sachidanandam.
The researchers also investigated the impact of dog age on TCR repertoires. They found an age-dependent reduction in the diversity of TCRs in dogs, which could be the foundation for molecular clocks of immunological age. This also suggests future veterinary care could monitor age-related changes in immune health to identify dogs at higher risk for infections or poor vaccine responses.
“By identifying changes in a dog’s immune system before symptoms appear, this research could lead to early detection of disease, improving outcomes and reducing costly interventions later,” Dr. Sachidanandam added.
Dr. Sachidanandam and his team plan to continue this work by broadening their research to include more dog breeds and to correlate age-related patterns in TCR repertoires with specific health conditions, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancer in dogs. Ultimately, they aim to develop veterinary diagnostics based on TCR repertoire profiling that could help dogs stay healthier longer.
The research article is available in ImmunoHorizons, or you can read more on AAI News & Views.
Requests for interviews with authors, ImmunoHorizons, or the American Association of Immunologists can be made to kpalmer@aai.org.
About The American Association of Immunologists
The American Association of Immunologists (AAI) is one of the world’s largest organizations of immunologists and scientists in related disciplines. Our mission is to improve global health and well-being by advancing immunology and elevating public understanding of the immune system. AAI members are responsible for some of the most significant biomedical discoveries of the past century, including the development of life-saving cancer immunotherapies, antibody therapies, transplant technologies, and vaccines. We support scientists across the field of immunology through knowledge dissemination, community building, advocacy, and public outreach.
About ImmunoHorizons
ImmunoHorizons is a fully open access peer-reviewed journal committed to advancing the knowledge of immunology and immunology education. ImmunoHorizons is owned by the American Association of Immunologists and published in partnership with Oxford University Press.
Contact Information
Katherine Palmer, MPH
Communications Manager
301-634-7823
Journal
ImmunoHorizons
Article Title
The canine T cell receptor repertoire
Article Publication Date
25-Aug-2025