research Case Series: Gene Expression Analysis in Canine Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada/Uveodermatologic Syndrome and Vitiligo Reveals Conserved Immunopathogenesis Pathways Between Dog and Human Autoimmune Pigmentary Disorders
This study analyzed gene expression in 2 canines with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH) and 1 with vitiligo to explore the immunopathogenesis of these autoimmune pigmentary disorders. The research found that T cell gene signatures, including IFNG, TNF, PRF1, IL15, CTSW, CXCL10, and CCL5, were upregulated in affected dogs compared to healthy controls, mirroring findings in humans. Additionally, genes such as FOXP3 and TBX21 were enriched, while IGFBP5, FOXO1, and PECAM1 were decreased. The study also identified TGFB3, SFRP2, and CXCL7 as potential contributors to these disorders. These findings suggested that the immunopathogenesis of VKH and vitiligo is conserved between dogs and humans, providing insights that could aid in developing targeted therapies and predicting treatment responses.
