Scientists use CRISPR to create hypoallergenic beagles

Researchers in the United States have successfully used CRISPR gene-editing technology to create two beagles, named Alfie and Bailey, that produce undetectable levels of a primary allergy-triggering protein. The experiment, published in the CRISPR Journal, involved deactivating the gene responsible for the Can f 1 protein, which is found in dog saliva, dander, and fur.

To achieve this, scientists modified dog skin cells to disable the specific gene and then transferred the edited genetic material into eggs, which were implanted into a surrogate beagle mother. Following their birth in September 2024, testing of the puppies' saliva and fur showed no traces of the modified protein. In a preliminary test, a geneticist with dog allergies reacted to samples from a poodle and a goldendoodle but showed no reaction to samples from Alfie and Bailey.

While the results are a milestone, experts note that the deactivated gene is the primary, but not the only, cause of canine allergies. Dr. Jeff SoRelle of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center emphasized that further testing with more people is required to determine the technique's overall effectiveness and to monitor the long-term health of the animals. The project is being led by Kindred Companion Sciences.