Kindred Companion Sciences creates first CRISPR-edited hypoallergenic beagles

Biotech company Kindred Companion Sciences has successfully produced the first CRISPR-edited hypoallergenic beagles. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and somatic cell nuclear transfer, researchers created two healthy female puppies, Alfie and Bailey, born in September 2024.

The genetic modification targets the Can f 1 gene, which encodes a major protein responsible for most IgE-mediated reactivity in dog allergy sufferers. By introducing a 1-bp insertion that causes a frameshift mutation in exon 1 of the gene, the team prevented the production of the allergen.

Analyses of the puppies' saliva and dander confirmed the absence of the targeted protein. Furthermore, skin prick tests performed on an allergic individual showed no immune reactivity to samples from the edited dogs. This development offers a potential gene-based alternative to traditional allergen immunotherapy for managing dog allergies.