Gene Editing Creates Hypoallergenic Dogs Using CRISPR

Scientists at a biotech company have used gene editing to create two hypoallergenic beagles that don't trigger allergies. The technique switched off the gene that produces the main allergy-causing protein in dogs, marking the first time this approach has been successful in canines.

For millions of people with dog allergies, the inability to own a dog is a source of frustration. Dog allergies are caused by proteins found in the animal's skin cells, saliva, and urine. The most common culprit is a protein called Can f 1, produced primarily in the saliva.

The researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to target and disable the gene responsible for Can f 1 production. The two beagles, named Alfie and Bailey, were born without any detectable Can f 1 protein and have shown no signs of adverse health effects from the genetic modification.

Matt Walker, who owns one of the gene-edited beagles, described the experience as life-changing. For years, he and his family had to manage allergy symptoms carefully around dogs. With Bailey, there are no such concerns.

Scientists caution that long-term health monitoring is still needed to assess the effects of the genetic tweak, and finding ways to commercialize the approach to make it affordable remains a significant challenge. The findings were published in the CRISPR Journal.

The success in dogs opens the door to future applications of gene editing for addressing pet allergies, which affect approximately 10-20% of the global population. It also demonstrates the expanding capabilities of CRISPR technology beyond human medicine into veterinary and consumer applications.