Breed-specific immune regulation under endemic exposure to Leishmania infantum and other vector-borne pathogens in a native Mediterranean canine population

The elevated levels of several cytokines and growth factors in Fonni dogs suggest a breed-associated immune phenotype characterized by a regulatory/pro-inflammatory balance consistent with a tolerance-like response under endemic exposure. These findings support the hypothesis that native breeds such as the Fonni dog may have developed adaptive immunological mechanisms that limit immunopathology while maintaining effective responses in areas endemic for canine vector-borne pathogens.