The effect of an ex vivo boosted immune cell therapy on canine atopic dermatitis: an open, uncontrolled pilot study

Background Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is associated with an imbalance between multiple T lymphocytes and cytokines. Ex vivo boosted immune cell (EBIC) therapy is the sequential administration of ex vivo cultured and activated lymphocytes to patients to improve immune function. Objective This pilot study aimed to assess the safety of EBIC therapy and demonstrate its efficacy as a novel treatment for cAD. Animals Ten dogs with AD. Methods and materials The phenotypes of the immune cells before and after ex vivo culture were analysed by flow cytometry. EBICs (1.0–5.0 × 108 cells/animal) were administered to dogs every two weeks, with a total of six injections. The cAD extent and severity index (CADESI)‐03 and pruritus scores were calculated to evaluate the efficacy of EBIC therapy for cAD. For safety assessment, regular blood examination was conducted, and any adverse events recorded. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10, IL‐31 and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) were evaluated. Results The cells expanded by an average of 57.52‐fold and the proportions of CD8+ cells and IFN‐γ‐producing cells significantly increased after ex vivo culture. Sequential EBIC therapy improved CADESI‐03, and pruritus scores significantly. After stopping treatment the improvement rates increased for the CADESI score and were maintained for the pruritus score. There were no significant changes in cytokine levels. No significant adverse events were observed. Conclusions and clinical significance EBIC therapy is a safe and efficient treatment for cAD. This therapy could correct the immunological imbalance in dogs with AD by infusing activated T lymphocytes. Resumen Introducción la dermatitis atópica canina (cAD) se asocia con un desequilibrio entre múltiples poblaciones de linfocitos T y citoquinas. El tratamiento con células inmunes potenciadas ex vivo (EBIC) es la administración secuencial de linfocitos cultivados y activados ex vivo a pacientes para mejorar la función inmunitaria. Objetivo Este estudio piloto tuvo como objetivo evaluar la seguridad del tratamiento con EBIC y demostrar su eficacia como un nuevo tratamiento para la cAD. Animales Diez perros con AD. Métodos y materiales Los fenotipos de las células inmunes antes y después del cultivo ex vivo se analizaron mediante citometría de flujo. Los EBIC (1,0‐5,0 9 108 células/animal) se administraron a perros cada dos semanas, con un total de seis inyecciones. Se calcularon los índices de extensión y severidad de la cAD (CA