Congratulations to the following research teams who have received funding from the Australian Canine Research Foundation for 2024. In no particular order: (1) Prof Phil Darcy (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) Generating early phenotype CAR-T therapy for solid tumours in dogs ($20,000) Treatment of solid cancers in pet dogs, such as bone cancer, relies on traditional chemotherapy, which fails to confer long-term survival in the majority of treated dogs. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy uses a patient’s own immune cells, which are engineered to target and kill cancer cells. This therapy has revolutionised the treatment of blood cancers in people, and there is ongoing research to develop this therapy for solid cancers in people. We aim to develop CAR-T immunotherapy for treatment of solid cancers in pet dogs, using a more effective CAR-T cell that has been developed in our lab. If successful, this more effective CAR-T therapy could significantly improve the quality of life and survival of pet dogs with solid tumours. (2) Assoc Prof Natali Krekeler (University of Melbourne) Evaluation of candidates against uropathogenic Escherichia coli in a murine model of canine endometritis ($14,500) Pyometra is a debilitating uterine infection affecting intact female dogs. This condition is potentially lethal if not treated early as septicaemic shock and multi-organ dysfunction often ensue. So far, there is no medical prophylaxis available and elective spaying is currently the only preventive measure available to control the disease, but this leads to the complete loss of the breeding capacity of the female dog. Over the past few years our research group has worked towards developing a bacterial vaccine targeting Escherichia coli which is the main causative agent of pyometra. Three bacterial vaccine candidates have been developed and their in vitro growth and phenotypic behaviour has been characterised. A successful mouse model of canine endometritis was developed during pre-clinical vaccine trials in recent years. Mice were inoculated subcutaneously and intravaginally. The intravaginal route has the advantage that mucosal immunity can be achieved, which leads to local antibody secretion in the reproductive tract itself. While antibody secretion was achieved with the intravaginal route, the subcutaneous application resulted in local reactions. We hypothesise that intranasal inoculation will lead to improved antibody secretion as this has been shown in human vaccine studies. Furthermore, we hypothesise that a killed variant of our vaccine will result in reduced adverse reactions. The main aims of the study are to evaluate the safety and efficacy of our vaccine when applied intranasally and also when a killed variant is inoculated subcutaneously. Finding the optimal route and type of vaccine is paramount before we can move into trials in dogs. (3) Dr Swaid Abdullah (University of Queensland) Sylvatic maintenance of Ehrlichia canis in the wild canid population ($14,893) Ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia canis, transmitted by the brown dog tick. It is a nationally notifiable disease in Australia. Dogs suffering from ehrlichiosis can be presented with a wide range of deliberating clinical signs that can persist for long term, if treatment fails. Because the disease has only recently been introduced to Australia, most dogs do not have immunity against the disease, making them high risk of severe disease and potential death. Recent findings suggest E. canis may be more widespread than reported and needs further investigation. This study aims to explore the potential existence and transmission of E. canis among wild dogs and foxes and the associated risk of further spread into other potential regions of Australia. It is expected that results will help more educated decision around prevention and control of this disease. (fb)

The Canine Research Foundation AGM will be held this week. Outcomes for the 2024 Funding Round will be finalised and outcomes will be sent later this week. Thank you all for your patience. (fb)