For the first time in his life, geneticist Matt Walker was able to play with puppies without suffering an allergic reaction. Walker, who works for Kindred Companion Sciences, has been allergic to dogs his entire life—but two beagle puppies named Bailey and Alfie represent a genetic breakthrough that could eventually change the lives of millions of dog lovers worldwide.
Walker led a research team that employed CRISPR technology to produce the two beagles, which do not generate Can f 1—a protein found in dog saliva, fur, and skin dander that serves as the primary trigger for human allergic reactions to dogs.
Published in The CRISPR Journal, the study marks the first successful application of this genetic approach in canines.
