Unlocking canine immune responses: This study pioneers the use of single-cell T-cell receptor sequencing (scTCRseq) in dogs, offering new tools to track tumor-specific immune responses. The research showcases a powerful approach for advancing cancer immunotherapy in canine models, which are increasingly recognized as valuable translational models for human cancer. The research team applied scTCRseq, integrated with scRNA data, to profile immune cells from healthy dogs, dogs with T cell lymphoma, and dogs with melanoma. They identified a substantial number of V(D)J-expressing cells and unique clonotypes, observing diversity in healthy dogs and clonality in lymphomas. Melanoma samples from vaccine-treated dogs were dominated by abundant clonotypes, predominantly activated CD8+ T cells, suggesting potential anti-tumor activity. Data indicated the re-annotation of some gene segments as functional. This study demonstrates the feasibility and applicability of scTCRseq in canine cancer research. The findings offer valuable insights into immune responses in canine cancers, highlighting the potential to identify anti-tumor T cell populations and further refine cancer immunotherapy strategies, with implications for both veterinary and human medicine.
Published in Communications Biology, this research aligns with the journal's focus on innovative biological studies. The paper fits into the journal's areas of interest, including "Science: Biology (General)" and "Science: Chemistry: Organic chemistry: Biochemistry", as it explores immunological responses in dogs using advanced sequencing techniques. By demonstrating the applicability of scTCRseq in companion animals, the study contributes to cancer research and translational medicine.