Developing Tools to Study Kennel Cough

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRD), also known as kennel cough, is a common infection that can spread quickly, especially when dogs are housed closely together. Many viruses and bacteria are considered components of CIRD but currently there are no laboratory models to study these pathogens. While vaccines exist, they vary in effcacy and sometimes fail to induce a sufficient immune response in dogs to stop or slow infection. To help search for new prevention strategies, researchers will develop a canine airway cell culture model to study viruses contributing to kennel cough. The team will use the new tool to evaluate the efficacy of a modified interferon lambda as a potential new therapy. Interferons are naturally found in the body and are important in fighting infectious diseases. The team hopes this product will show promise as an emergency-use therapeutic or as an adjunct therapy alongside vaccination that can effectively reduce or control CIRD infections.