Engineering a monoclonal antibody therapy for canine mast cell tumors

Mast cell tumors (MCT) are the most common skin tumors in dogs. MCTs can vary in their growth from slow-growing to highly aggressive tumors, and treatment options are often limited, especially for tumors that have spread or can’t be removed. Chemotherapy is sometimes used, but has side effects. Despite treatment, most dogs eventually succumb to disease within a year of diagnosis. This highlights the need for more effective and precise therapy.

This study focuses on developing a new treatment using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). mAbs are already used to treat many human cancers. But in veterinary medicine, they are still new and not widely available. The antibodies are designed to target the protein KIT on mast cells. KIT is present on mast cells but not on other immune cells. By targeting KIT, the antibodies can precisely attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Researchers will evaluate how well these mAbs bind to KIT and kill cancer cells. The mAbs will be engineered to work more effective for dogs by designing them to look like natural canine antibodies.

The research goal is to develop a safe and effective therapy for dog mast cell cancer that can also serve as a model for treating similar conditions in other species that suffer from mast cell diseases, including humans and cats.

Co-sponsored with the Morris Animal Foundation, Grant Number: 26CAANFT-0005

RESEARCHERS

Marietta M Ravesloot-Chavez, PhD; University of California Davis

Amount: $15,000