2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In conclusion, this study identified differences in the fecal microbiota as well as fecal lactate and bile acid concentrations between dogs with EPI and healthy control dogs. CD25, also known as interleukin-2 receptor a (IL-2Ra), is a 55 kDa transmembrane cytokine receptor, primarily expressed by activated T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and some types of cancer cells. In humans, increased expression of membrane-bound CD25 has been reported in patients with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, during transplant rejection, and some types of neoplasia. A soluble form of CD25 (sCD25) is generated by proteolytic cleavage and has a molecular mass of 45 kDa. Elevated serum concentrations of sCD25 have been reported in human patients with the aforementioned conditions. A positive correlation has been reported between the membrane expression of CD25 and the serum concentration of sCD25. In vitro, activated T cells and Tregs have been shown to shed sCD25, therefore high concentrations of serum sCD25 are thought to be reflective of a sustained immune activation. Moreover, sCD25 has been used as a biomarker to help characterize disease progression, prognosis, and treatment in humans. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish and analytically validate a radioimmunoassay for the measurement of sCD25 in canine serum.