Scientists from the US-based biotechnology company Kindred Companion Sciences have carried out a remarkable study against dog allergies using the gene editing technology CRISPR.
Researchers targeted the gene responsible for the production of Can f 1, one of the important proteins that causes dog allergy in humans. After the gene was disabled, two beagles named Bailey and Alfie were born.
It was reported that the targeted Can f 1 protein was not detected in the fur and saliva of the two dogs in the tests.
HE STARTED DUE TO HIS OWN ALLERGIES
Geneticist Matt Walker, one of the names behind the study, also has a serious dog allergy. Walker stated that while he had previously experienced allergic symptoms such as sneezing when petting a dog, he was able to come into close contact with the genetically edited Bailey.
While Walker explained that he was able to play with Bailey in Central Park and hold the dog on his lap, he stated that his contact with the genetically edited dog did not cause the allergic reactions he had previously experienced.
It was stated that Bailey and Alfie, who are genetically identical, were born in 2024.
CRISPR TECHNOLOGY WAS USED
CRISPR technology used by scientists allows changes to be made in certain parts of DNA. In the study, the gene that enables the production of Can f 1 protein in dogs was targeted and disabled.
Thanks to this method, researchers aimed to prevent the production of the protein at the genetic level, instead of trying to eliminate the allergenic protein later.
IT MAY NEED YEARS TO SEE IT IN PET SHOPS
Although the study is promising, genetically engineered “allergy-friendly” dogs are not expected to become widespread in the short term.
Scientists first need to track the effects of the genetic change on the dogs’ long-term health. In addition, the applicability of the method in different dog breeds and the extent to which it prevents allergic reactions in humans need to be demonstrated through more comprehensive studies.
For this reason, it is stated that it may take years for dogs like Bailey and Alfie to become widely adoptable.
“HYPOALLERGENIC DOG” DEBATE
Although some dog breeds have been promoted as “hypoallergenic” to date, scientific research shows that no natural dog breed is completely allergen-free.
Moreover, Can f 1 is not only responsible for dog allergy. People can also be sensitive to different dog proteins. For this reason, it cannot yet be said that the newly developed beagles have definitively eliminated all dog allergies.
Scientists think that the study may pave the way for people with dog allergies to own pets in the future.
