Dow Lab
The Dow Laboratory investigates tumor immune responses and develops new cancer immunotherapies. The laboratory also develops immunotherapies to prevent respiratory tract infections in cattle, dogs and cats, as well as for treatment of ocular viral infections and ocular cancer in horses and cats. A third program focuses on stem cell therapy for treatment of chronic infections and for wound healing, with studies in rodent models and pet dogs.
research project

Optimizing Novel Immunotherapy Combinations Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment in Canine Spontaneous Osteosarcoma

Despite a multitude of clinical trials geared to eliminating tumor spread, approximately 30% of people with osteosarcoma (OS) still die of disease. We will use dogs with spontaneous OS to test a series of promising novel immune therapies and leverage this data to create a blueprint for future human trials.

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research project

Development of new combination immunotherapy/vaccination approaches for treatment of brain cancer and bone cancer in dogs and humans

This program is developing new tumor vaccine and immunotherapy approaches to treat both metastatic bone cancer and brain cancer, using mouse models and clinical trials in pet dogs at the Flint Animal Cancer Center. These studies are also intended to help accelerate the development of new treatments for human cancer, working with colleagues at Children’s Hospital and the Anschutz Medical Campus.

research project

Cellular therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells for treatment of chronic drug resistant infections in dogs and humans

The laboratory is pioneering the use of activated cellular therapy (ACT) to treat highly drug-resistant bacterial infections in companion animals and humans. The studies in mice and pet dogs have demonstrated high activity against common bacterial pathogens, even in the biofilm state, with very low to minimal toxicity.

research project

Development of new checkpoint molecule targeted immunotherapies for cancer immunotherapy in dogs

Checkpoint molecule targeted biologics have transformed human cancer therapies, and this program seeks to develop similar drugs for treatment of cancer in dogs, focusing on co-stimulatory checkpoint molecules such as OX40 and CD40.

research project

Inhalational and ocular immunotherapy for prevention and treatment of viral and bacterial infections in dogs, cats, horses, and cattle

This program is developing new immunotherapies to reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics to prevent common viral and bacterial infections of both agricultural and companion animals. In addition, a new type of ocular immunotherapy is being developed to be applied as eye drops to treat common viral and neoplastic diseases of the eye in cats and horses and humans.

Publications

The Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Losartan Suppresses Growth of Pulmonary Metastases via AT1R-Independent Inhibition of CCR2 Signaling and Monocyte Recruitment.

Regan DP, Coy JW, Chahal KK, Chow L, Kurihara JN, Guth AM, Kufareva I, Dow SW.
J Immunol. 2019 May 15;202(10):3087-3102. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800619. Epub 2019 Apr 10.

Activation of upper respiratory tract mucosal innate immune responses in cats by liposomal toll-like receptor ligand complexes delivered topically.

Wheat W, Chow L, Coy J, Contreras E, Lappin M, Dow S.
J Vet Intern Med. 2019 Mar;33(2):838-845. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15426. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Signaling Regulates Macrophage Proliferation and Activation.

Hartley GP, Chow L, Ammons DT, Wheat WH, Dow SW.
Cancer Immunol Res. 2018 Oct;6(10):1260-1273. doi: 10.1158/2326-6066.CIR-17-0537. Epub 2018 Jul 16.

Activated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Interact with Antibiotics and Host Innate Immune Responses to Control Chronic Bacterial Infections.

Johnson V, Webb T, Norman A, Coy J, Kurihara J, Regan D, Dow S.
Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 29;7(1):9575. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-08311-4.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) Equivalent to Adipose-Derived MSC in Promoting Intestinal Healing and Microbiome Normalization in Mouse Inflammatory Bowel Disease Model.

Soontararak S, Chow L, Johnson V, Coy J, Wheat W, Regan D, Dow S.
Stem Cells Transl Med. 2018 Jun;7(6):456-467. doi: 10.1002/sctm.17-0305. Epub 2018 Apr 10

more publications

People

Steve Dow

Principal Investigator

Steven.Dow@colostate.edu

Lyndah Chow, Ph.D.

Research Scientist

William Wheat

Research Scientist

Jade Kurihara

Research Associate

Renata Impastato

Research Associate

Lori Bensten Burris

Research Associate

Valerie Johnson

Postdoctoral Fellow

Lynn Pezzanite

Graduate Student

Dylan Ammons

Graduate Student

Jenna Cao

Graduate Student

Sophie Hopkins

Graduate Student

Juan Estrada

Graduate Student

Franco Maranon

Undergraduate Student

Lauren Prince

Undergraduate Student

Kiersten Allen

Undergraduate Student

Lab rafting trip down the Poudre river.

Dow lab on their rafting trip before getting on the water.

Dow lab on a hiking trip.

news and updates view all

April 26, 2019 Man’s best friend: Translational Medicine Institute accelerates bench-to-bedside therapies for all species

A goofy poodle named Gus is making an immortal contribution to human and animal health. Gus belongs to Dr. Steve Dow and his wife, Robyn Elmslie, but stem cells from his skin will someday belong to the world.
October 12, 2018 Zoobiquity Colorado explores connections between human and animal health

Learn about Dr. Dow’s research to develop immunotherapy for kids & dogs with cancer.
February 23, 2018 Boris the polar bear, 32, receives stem cell treatment

Dr. Valerie Johnson gives Boris the Polar Bear an innovative stem cell treatment for his arthritis.

contact information

Offices:
Animal Cancer Center room B250
Translational Medicine Institute room 235

Laboratories:
Animal Cancer Center rooms B254, B260
Translational Medicine Institute rooms 235, 250

(970) 297-4014