rhIFN-α14 changes skin microbiota in naturally occurring canine atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD) manifests as recurrent and progressive pruritic dermatitis in dogs. Treatment is lifelong and non-responders are common to most drugs, with the exception to glucocorticoids, which have many undesirable effects. Our group has previously shown clinical efficacy of recombinant human interferon-alpha14 (rhIFNα−14) in the treatment of naturally occurring canine atopic dermatitis. Here, we sought to verify the role of rhIFNα−14 in the dysbiosis of the skin during AD. Six dogs with chronic non-seasonal atopic dermatitis were selected and treated with the experimental compound (10,000 IU/kg of rhIFNα-14 orally for 8 weeks). Each dog was evaluated by a veterinarian once a week. Efficacy outcomes were based on a veterinary-conducted simplified version of the CADESI (canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index) score. Owner assessment of the status of the dog was also collected during the clinical consultation. Blood samples were collected every fifteen days for haematological analysis. Skin microbiota was assessed by next-generation sequencing. Pruritus score was negatively correlated to bacterial family homogeneity, as were vet scores of excoriations and erythema. There were no associations between clinical scores with individual bacterial genera, including Staphylococcus spp. In conclusion, the administration of rhIFNα−14 positively changes the skin microbiota by increasing the bacterial family homogeneity and ameliorates the disease severity, indicating one possible mode of action of this cytokine in atopic dermatitis.