Are There Subtypes of IMHA In Dogs?

THE PROBLEM: Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a common and life-threatening disorder in dogs caused by the immune-driven destruction of red blood cells. The disease results in severe anemia, systemic inflammation, and a high risk of abnormal blood clot formation, leading to death in upwards of 70% of dogs. IMHA is in reality a highly complex disease. For example, most dogs develop antibodies against red blood cell (RBC) membrane proteins, but some do not. Clinical disease manifestations also can vary widely in terms of whether the red cell destruction occurs inside or outside blood vessels, the response to therapy, the tendency to form blood clots, transfusion requirements and relapse rates. The immunologic mechanisms that underlie these differences are poorly understood. 

THE PROJECT: The research team plans to look closely at the antibodies produced against RBCs by dogs newly diagnosed with IMHA and monitor any changes when dogs are treated for the disease. The researchers will also look at the genes expressed by lymphocytes and monocytes (types of white blood cells) present in the blood of these same dogs. Their belief is that by characterizing these two features of the immune system in dogs with IMHA, they’ll be able to detect specific disease subtypes. 

POTENTIAL IMPACT: This study will fill a critical need to improve our understanding of the immunologic basis of IMHA in dogs and better characterize its different subtypes, while providing clinicians with new tools to track the course of the disease. If successful, findings from this study could have a profound and immediate impact on treatment and prognosis of IMHA.