International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 297-304 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 302 7 Concluding Remarks The review of canid immunogenomics has highlighted several key findings regarding how domestication has shaped the canine immune system. Comparative studies of natural killer (NK) cells in dogs have shown that canine NK cells exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles under various conditions and are more similar to human NK cells than to those of mice, providing valuable insights for translational NK studies. Research on zoonotic intestinal helminths has revealed that these parasites modulate the canine immune system by altering T cell responses and preventing dendritic cell maturation, which helps in understanding the immune evasion strategies of these parasites. The study of the canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) has uncovered specific genomic aberrations that enable its long-term persistence and adaptation, shedding light on the mechanisms of clonal transmissibility and immune evasion. Additionally, the evolution of MHC class I genes in raccoon dogs has demonstrated the role of pathogen-driven positive selection and long-term balancing selection in maintaining allelic diversity, which is crucial for immunological fitness. The findings from these studies have several implications for future research. The similarity between canine and human NK cells suggests that dogs could serve as a valuable model for studying human NK cell biology and developing NK cell-based immunotherapies. The immunomodulatory effects of zoonotic helminths on the canine immune system highlight the need for further investigation into parasite-host interactions and the development of novel therapeutic strategies to manage parasitic infections. The insights gained from the study of CTVT can inform research on other transmissible cancers and contribute to the development of targeted therapies that can disrupt the mechanisms of immune evasion and clonal propagation. The extensive allelic diversity of MHC class I genes in raccoon dogs underscores the importance of studying non-model canid species to understand the evolutionary pressures shaping immune gene diversity and to identify potential targets for enhancing disease resistance. The evolution of the canine immune system has been profoundly influenced by domestication, pathogen interactions, and genetic diversity. Domestication has likely led to selective pressures that have shaped immune responses to better suit the environments and lifestyles of domestic dogs. The interaction with various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, has driven the evolution of immune genes, such as MHC class I, to enhance pathogen recognition and immune response. The study of canid immunogenomics not only provides insights into the adaptive mechanisms of the canine immune system but also offers valuable models for understanding human immunology and developing novel therapeutic approaches. Future research should continue to explore the genetic and environmental factors that influence immune function in canids, with the goal of improving health outcomes for both dogs and humans. Acknowledgments We would like to thank Professor Meng for his/her invaluable guidance, insightful suggestions, and continuous support throughout the development of this study. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Bartocillo A., Nishita Y., Abramov A., and Masuda R., 2021, Evolution of MHC class I genes in Japanese and Russian raccoon dogs, Nyctereutes procyonoides (Carnivora: Canidae), Mammal Research, 66: 371-383. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-021-00561-y Bhatt M., Rajak K., Chakravarti S., Yadav A., Kumar A., Gupta V., Chander V., Mathesh K., Chandramohan S., Sharma A., Mahendran K., Sankar M., Muthuchelvan D., Gandham R., Baig M., Singh R., and Singh R., 2019, Phylogenetic analysis of haemagglutinin gene deciphering a new genetically distinct lineage of canine distemper virus circulating among domestic dogs in India, Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 66(3): 1252-1267. https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13142
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