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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.09.09.750505

Sex-dimorphic immune trajectories across the canine lifespan and early-life signatures of geroprotective interventions

Lai, M.·Xu, F.·Xu, Y.·Mironenkov, A.·Jin, Y.·Zhang, S.·Pan, J.·Li, M.·Deng, B.·Zhu, J.-K.·Lyu, Y.-X.
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Abstract

Canine models are invaluable for translational geroscience, but widespread gonadectomy in companion dogs obscures natural sex-specific aging trajectories. Here, we characterize the age-associated hematologic and serum cytokine profiles of 80 intact laboratory Beagles spanning 1 to 11 years. Contrary to classical linear models of immunosenescence and inflammaging, we reveal that canine immune aging is highly dynamic and sexually dimorphic. While absolute leukocyte counts declined continuously, cytokine remodeling was sex-specific: intact males exhibited extensive age-dependent inflammatory restructuring, whereas females demonstrated restricted fluctuations. To establish baseline geroprotective signatures, we evaluated 24 young beagles following a 90-day intervention with rapamycin, canagliflozin, or dietary restriction. Rapamycin induced robust immune modulation, while canagliflozin prompted early, sex-biased weight loss and narrower cytokine responses. Together, our findings demonstrate that canine immune aging involves complex, sexually dimorphic remodeling. By utilizing an intact cohort to isolate natural dimorphic trajectories, we provide a crucial foundation for developing precision, sex-optimized geroprotectors.

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Lai, M., Xu, F., Xu, Y., Mironenkov, A., Jin, Y., Zhang, S., Pan, J., Li, M., Deng, B., Zhu, J.-K., Lyu, Y.-X.. 2026-09-15. Sex-dimorphic immune trajectories across the canine lifespan and early-life signatures of geroprotective interventions. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.09.750505

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