Interleukin‐11 receptor alpha is expressed on canine osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumour in humans and companion animals, and has a poor long‐term prognosis. The identification of new markers and targeted therapies may help increase long‐term survival of these patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that interleukin‐11 receptor alpha (IL‐11Rα) is expressed in human and murine OSA but not in normal bone. The current study demonstrated via western analysis, immunoflourescence and immunohistochemistry that IL‐11Rα was expressed in primary canine OSA tissues as well as in a number of canine OSA cell lines, but not in normal canine bone. Cytotoxin‐conjugated antibodies targeting IL‐11Rα‐mediated canine OSA cytotoxicity. Thus, canine OSA may be a valuable model for the evaluation of IL‐11Rα directed therapies.