# Genetic Regulation of Immune Response in Dogs

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how genetic and epigenetic factors influence immune responses in dogs, affecting disease susceptibility and treatment options.

## Contribution

The paper synthesizes current knowledge on genetic and epigenetic regulation of immune genes in dogs, emphasizing their impact on health and breeding.

## Key findings

- Genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic regulation affect breed-specific immune responses in dogs.
- Variation in cytokine expression due to SNPs and miRNA regulation influences disease susceptibility.
- MHC genetic diversity and miRNA activity are linked to immune-mediated disorders and potential therapeutic targets.

## Abstract

The mammalian immune system, including key components such as toll-like receptors (TLRs), lymphocytes, and cytokines, plays a vital role in defending against diseases. In dogs, genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic regulation of immune-related genes contribute to breed-specific differences in susceptibility or resistance to infectious, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. Cytokines, essential for immune cell differentiation and activation, exhibit variable expression among breeds due to genetic factors like single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and miRNA regulation. This variability influences immune responses not only to infections but also to chronic inflammatory conditions and cancer, providing insights for improved diagnosis, treatment, and breeding. Selective breeding has further shaped diverse immune phenotypes across breeds, especially through genetic variations in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, which affect vulnerability to immune-mediated and immunodeficiency disorders. Recent studies emphasize the role of specific miRNAs in modulating immune responses during parasitic and viral infections, opening new avenues for precision veterinary medicine and immunotherapy. This review highlights the genetic and epigenetic regulation of immune genes in dogs and explores their potential applications in advancing veterinary diagnostics, therapeutics, and breeding strategies to enhance canine health.