科研团队利用获诺贝尔奖的CRISPR基因编辑技术，成功培育出两只低过敏性比格犬Bailey和Alfie，于2024年9月出生[1]。研究人员通过关闭产生过敏原蛋白的基因，使这两只犬类的唾液和毛发不含主要致敏物质[1]。
研究员Matt Walker对Bailey进行了皮肤过敏测试，证实其唾液和皮屑不会引发过敏反应，而对普通贵宾犬和金毛贵宾犬则产生了过敏反应[1]。Matt Walker已与Bailey相处超过一年[1]。这项研究成果已发表在《CRISPR期刊》上，标志着该基因编辑技术首次在犬类中的成功应用[1]。
不过，该技术的实际应用仍面临挑战。生物伦理学家Arthur Caplan指出，这一技术可能会阻碍人们收养流浪动物[1]。此外，研究人员表示需要进行长期健康监测才能实现商业化[1]。
Scientists have successfully created two hypoallergenic beagles named Bailey and Alfie using CRISPR gene-editing technology by disabling the gene responsible for producing allergen proteins [1]. The dogs were born in September 2024 and have been engineered so their saliva and fur lack the primary substances that trigger allergic reactions in people [1]. Researcher Matt Walker underwent a skin allergy test with Bailey's saliva and dander, showing no allergic response, whereas he reacted to samples from standard poodles and goldendoodles [1].
The findings, published in the CRISPR Journal, mark the first successful application of this gene-editing technique in dogs [1]. Walker has lived with Bailey for over a year [1]. However, bioethicist Arthur Caplan has raised concerns that such developments could discourage people from adopting shelter animals [1]. Before the technology can be commercialized, researchers emphasize the need for long-term health monitoring of the gene-edited dogs [1].