Laboratory safety evaluation of lokivetmab, a canine anti-interleukin-31 monoclonal antibody, in dogs.

Lokivetmab (Cytopoint®, Zoetis) is a canine monoclonal antibody that specifically binds and neutralizes interleukin (IL)-31. Lokivetmab is approved for use in dogs for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic dermatitis. The laboratory safety of lokivetmab was evaluated in 2 studies by adapting the science-based, case-by-case approach used for preclinical and early clinical safety evaluation of human biopharmaceuticals.

Serum concentrations of IL-31 in dogs with nonpruritic mast cell tumours or lymphoma.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare serum interleukin (IL)-31 concentrations in dogs with lymphoma and mast cell tumours (MCT) without pruritus to those of healthy dogs.

Hypothesis/objectives: To determine if IL-31 plays a role in tumour pathogenesis and if IL-31 could be a biological marker for disease progression.

Animals: Forty-eight healthy dogs and 36 dogs with neoplasia [multicentric lymphoma (14), MCT (15) and cutaneous lymphoma (7)] were included in the study.

Allergen-induced production of IL-31 by canine Th2 cells and identification of immune, skin, and neuronal target cells.

The canine cytokine IL-31 induces pruritus in dogs and can be detected in dogs with atopic dermatitis; however very little is understood around its interactions with specific canine cells. We hypothesize that IL-31 is involved in the progression of allergic skin disease by coordinating the interaction between the immune system with skin and neuronal systems. The goal of the following work was to identify cells that produce IL-31 as well as cells that may respond to this cytokine.

Interleukin-31: its role in canine pruritus and naturally occurring canine atopic dermatitis.

Background: Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a member of the gp130/interleukin-6 cytokine family that is produced by cell types such as T helper 2 lymphocytes and cutaneous lymphocyte antigen positive skin homing T cells. When overexpressed in transgenic mice, IL-31 induces severe pruritus, alopecia and skin lesions. In humans, IL-31 serum levels correlate with the severity of atopic dermatitis in adults and children.