Tick bite-induced Alpha-Gal Syndrome and Immunologic Responses in an Alpha-Gal Deficient Murine Model.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a delayed allergic reaction due to specific IgE antibodies targeting galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal), a carbohydrate found in red meat. This condition has gained significant attention globally due to its increasing prevalence, with more than 450,000 cases estimated in the United States alone. Previous research has established a connection between AGS and tick bites, which sensitize individuals to α-gal antigens and elevate the levels of α-gal specific IgE. However, the precise mechanism by which tick bites influence the hosťs immune system and contribute to the development of AGS remains poorly understood. This study investigates various factors related to ticks and the host associated with the development of AGS following a tick bite, using mice with a targeted disruption of alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase (AGKO) as a model organism. Lone-star tick ( Our results showed a significant increase in the titer of total IgE, IgG1, and α-gal IgG1 antibodies in the lone-star tick-sensitized AGKO mice compared to the gulf-coast tick-sensitized mice. Pork challenge in This study supports the hypothesis that specific tick species may increase the risk of developing α-gal-specific IgE and hypersensitivity reactions or AGS, thereby providing opportunities for future research on the mechanistic role of tick and host-related factors in AGS development.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Conflict of Interest Statement The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.