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Wilson JM, Erickson L, Levin M, Ailsworth SM, Commins SP, Platts-Mills TAE. Tick bites, IgE to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose and urticarial or anaphylactic reactions to mammalian meat: The alpha-gal syndrome. Allergy 2024; 79:1440-1454. [PMID: 38193233 PMCID: PMC11142869 DOI: 10.1111/all.16003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The recent recognition of a syndrome of tick-acquired mammalian meat allergy has transformed the previously held view that mammalian meat is an uncommon allergen. The syndrome, mediated by IgE antibodies against the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), can also involve reactions to visceral organs, dairy, gelatin and other products, including medications sourced from non-primate mammals. Thus, fittingly, this allergic disorder is now called the alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). The syndrome is strikingly regional, reflecting the important role of tick bites in sensitization, and is more common in demographic groups at risk of tick exposure. Reactions in AGS are delayed, often by 2-6 h after ingestion of mammalian meat. In addition to classic allergic symptomatology such as urticaria and anaphylaxis, AGS is increasingly recognized as a cause of isolated gastrointestinal morbidity and alpha-gal sensitization has also been linked with cardiovascular disease. The unusual link with tick bites may be explained by the fact that allergic cells and mediators are mobilized to the site of tick bites and play a role in resistance against ticks and tick-borne infections. IgE directed to alpha-gal is likely an incidental consequence of what is otherwise an adaptive immune strategy for host defense against endo- and ectoparasites, including ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Wilson
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Loren Erickson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology and Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Samuel M. Ailsworth
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Scott P. Commins
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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2
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Hils M, Hoffard N, Iuliano C, Kreft L, Chakrapani N, Swiontek K, Fischer K, Eberlein B, Köberle M, Fischer J, Hilger C, Ohnmacht C, Kaesler S, Wölbing F, Biedermann T. IgE and anaphylaxis specific to the carbohydrate alpha-gal depend on IL-4. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:1050-1062.e6. [PMID: 38135009 PMCID: PMC10997276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-gal (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc) is a carbohydrate with the potential to elicit fatal allergic reactions to mammalian meat and drugs of mammalian origin. This type of allergy is induced by tick bites, and therapeutic options for this skin-driven food allergy are limited to the avoidance of the allergen and treatment of symptoms. Thus, a better understanding of the immune mechanisms resulting in sensitization through the skin is crucial, especially in the case of a carbohydrate allergen for which underlying immune responses are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE We aimed to establish a mouse model of alpha-gal allergy for in-depth immunologic analyses. METHODS Alpha-galactosyltransferase 1-deficient mice devoid of alpha-gal glycosylations were sensitized with the alpha-gal-carrying self-protein mouse serum albumin by repetitive intracutaneous injections in combination with the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide. The role of basophils and IL-4 in sensitization was investigated by antibody-mediated depletion. RESULTS Alpha-gal-sensitized mice displayed increased levels of alpha-gal-specific IgE and IgG1 and developed systemic anaphylaxis on challenge with both alpha-gal-containing glycoproteins and glycolipids. In accordance with alpha-gal-allergic patients, we detected elevated numbers of basophils at the site of sensitization as well as increased numbers of alpha-gal-specific B cells, germinal center B cells, and B cells of IgE and IgG1 isotypes in skin-draining lymph nodes. By depleting IL-4 during sensitization, we demonstrated for the first time that sensitization and elicitation of allergy to alpha-gal and correspondingly to a carbohydrate allergen is dependent on IL-4. CONCLUSION These findings establish IL-4 as a potential target to interfere with alpha-gal allergy elicited by tick bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Hils
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nils Hoffard
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Caterina Iuliano
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Luisa Kreft
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) and Institute of Allergy Research, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, and Helmholtz Center Munich, Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Neera Chakrapani
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Kyra Swiontek
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Konrad Fischer
- Department of Livestock Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Bernadette Eberlein
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Köberle
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jörg Fischer
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Hilger
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Caspar Ohnmacht
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) and Institute of Allergy Research, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, and Helmholtz Center Munich, Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Kaesler
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Wölbing
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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3
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Perusko M, Grundström J, Eldh M, Hamsten C, Apostolovic D, van Hage M. The α-Gal epitope - the cause of a global allergic disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335911. [PMID: 38318181 PMCID: PMC10838981 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) epitope is the cause of a global allergic disease, the α-Gal syndrome (AGS). It is a severe form of allergy to food and products of mammalian origin where IgE against the mammalian carbohydrate, α-Gal, is the cause of the allergic reactions. Allergic reactions triggered by parenterally administered α-Gal sources appear immediately, but those triggered via the oral route appear with a latency of several hours. The α-Gal epitope is highly immunogenic to humans, apes and old-world monkeys, all of which produce anti-α-Gal antibodies of the IgM, IgA and IgG subclasses. Strong evidence suggests that in susceptible individuals, class switch to IgE occurs after several tick bites. In this review, we discuss the strong immunogenic role of the α-Gal epitope and its structural resemblance to the blood type B antigen. We emphasize the broad abundance of α-Gal in different foods and pharmaceuticals and the allergenicity of various α-Gal containing molecules. We give an overview of the association of tick bites with the development of AGS and describe innate and adaptive immune response to tick saliva that possibly leads to sensitization to α-Gal. We further discuss a currently favored hypothesis explaining the mechanisms of the delayed effector phase of the allergic reaction to α-Gal. We highlight AGS from a clinical point of view. We review the different clinical manifestations of the disease and the prevalence of sensitization to α-Gal and AGS. The usefulness of various diagnostic tests is discussed. Finally, we provide different aspects of the management of AGS. With climate change and global warming, the tick density is increasing, and their geographic range is expanding. Thus, more people will be affected by AGS which requires more knowledge of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Perusko
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Innovative Centre of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jeanette Grundström
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Eldh
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl Hamsten
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Danijela Apostolovic
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marianne van Hage
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Contreras M, Vaz-Rodrigues R, Mazuecos L, Villar M, Artigas-Jerónimo S, González-García A, Shilova NV, Bovin NV, Díaz-Sánchez S, Ferreras-Colino E, Pacheco I, Chmelař J, Kopáček P, Cabezas-Cruz A, Gortázar C, de la Fuente J. Allergic reactions to tick saliva components in zebrafish model. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:242. [PMID: 37468955 PMCID: PMC10357745 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05874-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-Gal syndrome (AGS) is a tick-borne food allergy caused by IgE antibodies against the glycan galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) present in glycoproteins and glycolipids from mammalian meat. To advance in the diagnosis and treatment of AGS, further research is needed to unravel the molecular and immune mechanisms underlying this syndrome. The objective of this study is the characterization of tick salivary components and proteins with and without α-Gal modifications involved in modulating human immune response against this carbohydrate. METHODS Protein and α-Gal content were determined in tick saliva components, and proteins were identified by proteomics analysis of tick saliva fractions. Pathophysiological changes were recorded in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model after exposure to distinct Ixodes ricinus tick salivary components. Serum samples were collected from zebrafish at day 8 of exposure to determine anti-α-Gal, anti-glycan, and anti-tick saliva protein IgM antibody titers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Zebrafish treated with tick saliva and saliva protein fractions combined with non-protein fractions demonstrated significantly higher incidence of hemorrhagic type allergic reactions, abnormal behavioral patterns, or mortality when compared to the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated control group. The main tick salivary proteins identified in these fractions with possible functional implication in AGS were the secreted protein B7P208-salivary antigen p23 and metalloproteases. Anti-α-Gal and anti-tick salivary gland IgM antibody titers were significantly higher in distinct saliva protein fractions and deglycosylated saliva group when compared with PBS-treated controls. Anti-glycan antibodies showed group-related profiles. CONCLUSIONS Results support the hypothesis that tick salivary biomolecules with and without α-Gal modifications are involved in modulating immune response against this carbohydrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinela Contreras
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rita Vaz-Rodrigues
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lorena Mazuecos
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences and Chemical Technologies, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Ave. Camilo José Cela 10, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sara Artigas-Jerónimo
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Almudena González-García
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Nadezhda V Shilova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya str. 16/10, 117997, Moscow, Russian Federation
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V. I. Kulakov, Oparina str. 4, 117198, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Nicolai V Bovin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya str. 16/10, 117997, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Centre for Kode Technology Innovation, School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sandra Díaz-Sánchez
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Microbiología, Biología Celular y Genética, Área de Microbiología, Universidad de La Laguna, Entrada Campus Anchieta, 4, 38200, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Elisa Ferreras-Colino
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Iván Pacheco
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Jindřich Chmelař
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Petr Kopáček
- Institute of ParasitologyBiology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
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Carson AS, Gardner A, Iweala OI. Where's the Beef? Understanding Allergic Responses to Red Meat in Alpha-Gal Syndrome. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:267-277. [PMID: 35017216 PMCID: PMC8928418 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) describes a collection of symptoms associated with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity responses to the glycan galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). Individuals with AGS develop delayed hypersensitivity reactions, with symptoms occurring >2 h after consuming mammalian ("red") meat and other mammal-derived food products. The mechanisms of pathogenesis driving this paradigm-breaking food allergy are not fully understood. We review the role of tick bites in the development of alpha-gal-specific IgE and highlight innate and adaptive immune cells possibly involved in alpha-gal sensitization. We discuss the impact of alpha-gal glycosylation on digestion and metabolism of alpha-gal glycolipids and glycoproteins, and the implications for basophil and mast cell activation and mediator release that generate allergic symptoms in AGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey S. Carson
- Department of Medicine, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina Food Allergy Initiative, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aliyah Gardner
- Department of Medicine, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina Food Allergy Initiative, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Onyinye I. Iweala
- Department of Medicine, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina Food Allergy Initiative, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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6
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Keshavarz B, Erickson LD, Platts-Mills TAE, Wilson JM. Lessons in Innate and Allergic Immunity From Dust Mite Feces and Tick Bites. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2021; 2:692643. [PMID: 35387017 PMCID: PMC8974698 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.692643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases represent a major cause of morbidity in modern industrialized and developing countries. The origins and development of allergic immune responses have proven difficult to unravel and remain an important scientific objective. House dust mites (HDM) and ticks represent two important causes of allergic disease. Investigations into HDM fecal particles and tick bites have revealed insights which have and will continue to shape our understanding of allergic immunity. In the present review, focus is given to the role of innate immunity in shaping the respective responses to HDM and ticks. The HDM fecal particle represents a rich milieu of molecules that can be recognized by pathogen-recognition receptors of the innate immune system. Factors in tick saliva and/or tissue damage resultant from tick feeding are thought to activate innate immune signaling that promotes allergic pathways. Recent evidence indicates that innate sensing involves not only the direct recognition of allergenic agents/organisms, but also indirect sensing of epithelial barrier disruption. Although fecal particles from HDM and bites from ticks represent two distinct causes of sensitization, both involve a complex array of molecules that contribute to an innate response. Identification of specific molecules will inform our understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to allergic immunity, however the key may lie in the combination of molecules delivered to specific sites in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Keshavarz
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Loren D. Erickson
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research and the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Thomas A. E. Platts-Mills
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jeffrey M. Wilson
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jeffrey M. Wilson
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Miyake K, Shibata S, Yoshikawa S, Karasuyama H. Basophils and their effector molecules in allergic disorders. Allergy 2021; 76:1693-1706. [PMID: 33205439 DOI: 10.1111/all.14662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Basophils are the rarest granulocytes which represent <1% of peripheral blood leukocytes. Basophils bear several phenotypic similarities to tissue-resident mast cells and therefore had been erroneously considered as blood-circulating mast cells. However, recent researches have revealed that basophils play nonredundant roles in allergic inflammation, protective immunity against parasitic infections and regulation of innate and acquired immunity. Basophils are recruited to inflamed tissues and activated in an IgE-dependent or IgE-independent manner to release a variety of effector molecules. Such molecules, including IL-4, act on various types of cells and play versatile roles, including the induction and termination of allergic inflammation and the regulation of immune responses. Recent development of novel therapeutic agents has enabled us to gain further insights into basophil biology in human disorders. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in the field of basophil biology with a particular focus on the role of basophils in allergic inflammation. Further studies on basophils and their effector molecules will help us identify novel therapeutic targets for treating allergic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Miyake
- Inflammation, Infection and Immunity Laboratory TMDU Advanced Research Institute Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) Tokyo Japan
| | - Sho Shibata
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) Tokyo Japan
| | - Soichiro Yoshikawa
- Department of Cell Physiology Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama University Okayama Japan
| | - Hajime Karasuyama
- Inflammation, Infection and Immunity Laboratory TMDU Advanced Research Institute Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) Tokyo Japan
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Tick-human interactions: from allergic klendusity to the α-Gal syndrome. Biochem J 2021; 478:1783-1794. [PMID: 33988703 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and the pathogens they transmit, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths, constitute a growing burden for human and animal health worldwide. The ability of some animal species to acquire resistance to blood-feeding by ticks after a single or repeated infestation is known as acquired tick resistance (ATR). This resistance has been associated to tick-specific IgE response, the generation of skin-resident memory CD4+ T cells, basophil recruitment, histamine release, and epidermal hyperplasia. ATR has also been associated with protection to tick-borne tularemia through allergic klendusity, a disease-escaping ability produced by the development of hypersensitivity to an allergen. In addition to pathogen transmission, tick infestation in humans is associated with the α-Gal syndrome (AGS), a type of allergy characterized by an IgE response against the carbohydrate Galα1-3Gal (α-Gal). This glycan is present in tick salivary proteins and on the surface of tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agents of Lyme disease and granulocytic anaplasmosis. Most α-Gal-sensitized individuals develop IgE specific against this glycan, but only a small fraction develop the AGS. This review summarizes our current understanding of ATR and its impact on the continuum α-Gal sensitization, allergy, and the AGS. We propose that the α-Gal-specific IgE response in humans is an evolutionary adaptation associated with ATR and allergic klendusity with the trade-off of developing AGS.
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Hils M, Wölbing F, Hilger C, Fischer J, Hoffard N, Biedermann T. The History of Carbohydrates in Type I Allergy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:586924. [PMID: 33163001 PMCID: PMC7583601 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.586924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although first described decades ago, the relevance of carbohydrate specific antibodies as mediators of type I allergy had not been recognized until recently. Previously, allergen specific IgE antibodies binding to carbohydrate epitopes were considered to demonstrate a clinically irrelevant cross-reactivity. However, this changed following the discovery of type I allergies specifically mediated by oligosaccharide structures. Especially the emerging understanding of red meat allergy characterized by IgE directed to the oligosaccharide alpha-gal showed that carbohydrate-mediated reactions can result in life threatening systemic anaphylaxis which in contrast to former assumptions proves a high clinical relevance of some carbohydrate allergens. Within the scope of this review article, we illustrate the historical development of carbohydrate-allergen-research, reaching from only diagnostically relevant crossreactive-carbohydrate-determinants to clinically important antigens mediating type I allergy. Focusing on clinical and immunological features of the alpha-gal syndrome, we highlight the discovery of oligosaccharides as potentially highly immunogenic antigens and mediators of type I allergy, report what is known about the route of sensitization and the immunological mechanisms involved in sensitization and elicitation phase of allergic responses as well as currently available diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Finally, we briefly report on carbohydrates being involved in type I allergies different from alpha-gal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Hils
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Wölbing
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christiane Hilger
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jörg Fischer
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nils Hoffard
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Clinical Unit Allergology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental 10 Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
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10
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de la Fuente J, Cabezas-Cruz A, Pacheco I. Alpha-gal syndrome: challenges to understanding sensitization and clinical reactions to alpha-gal. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2020; 20:905-911. [PMID: 32628573 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2020.1792781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The α-Gal syndrome (AGS) is a type of allergy characterized by an IgE antibody response against the carbohydrate Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R (α-Gal). Tick bites are recognized as the most important cause of anti-α-Gal IgE antibody increase in humans. Several risk factors have been associated with the development of AGS, but their integration into a standardized disease diagnosis has proven challenging. AREAS COVERED Herein we discuss the current AGS diagnosis based on anti-α-Gal IgE titers and propose an algorithm that considers all co-factors in the clinical history of α-Gal-sensitized patients to be incorporated into the AGS diagnosis. The need for identification of host-derived gene markers and tick-derived proteins for the diagnosis of the AGS is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The current AGS diagnosis based on anti-α-Gal IgE titers has limitations because not all patients sensitized to α-Gal and with anti-α-Gal IgE antibodies higher than the cutoff (0.35 IU/ml) develop anaphylaxis to mammalian meat and AGS. The basophil activation test proposed to differentiate between patients with AGS and asymptomatic α-Gal sensitization cannot be easily implemented as a generalized clinical test. In coming years, the algorithm proposed here could be used in a mobile application for easier AGS diagnosis in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto De Investigación En Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM , Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University , Stillwater OK, USA
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est , Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Iván Pacheco
- SaBio. Instituto De Investigación En Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM , Ciudad Real, Spain
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Rutkowski K, Wagner A, Rutkowski R, Sowa P, Pancewicz S, Moniuszko-Malinowska A. Alpha-gal syndrome: An emerging cause of food and drug allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 2020; 50:894-903. [PMID: 32542789 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) describes a wide spectrum of hypersensitivity reactions mediated by specific IgE to the α-gal epitope (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) ubiquitously expressed on glycolipids/glycoproteins of most mammals. This fascinating new entity has completely changed the paradigms of allergy as allergic response is directed against an oligosaccharide and the reactions can be both immediate and delayed. They appear to be stimulated only by tick bites which induce production of α-gal specific IgE antibodies that lead to (at times fatal) hypersensitivity response. AGS is completely different to previously described anaphylaxis to tick saliva. It provides unique insight into the interplay between different arms of the immune system and the role of ectoparasites in the development of anaphylaxis to food and medication in patients at risk of tick bites including travellers. This review summarises recent advances in our understanding of its clinical presentation, pathomechanism and role of various tick species in the development of AGS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annette Wagner
- Department of Adult Allergy, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ryszard Rutkowski
- Department of Respiratory Diagnostics and Bronchoscopy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Paweł Sowa
- Department of Population Medicine and Civilization Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Pancewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Contreras M, Pacheco I, Alberdi P, Díaz-Sánchez S, Artigas-Jerónimo S, Mateos-Hernández L, Villar M, Cabezas-Cruz A, de la Fuente J. Allergic Reactions and Immunity in Response to Tick Salivary Biogenic Substances and Red Meat Consumption in the Zebrafish Model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:78. [PMID: 32211341 PMCID: PMC7075944 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are arthropod ectoparasite vectors of pathogens and the cause of allergic reactions affecting human health worldwide. In humans, tick bites can induce high levels of immunoglobulin E antibodies against the carbohydrate Galα1-3Galβ1-(3)4GlcNAc-R (α-Gal) present in glycoproteins and glycolipids from tick saliva that mediate anaphylactic reactions known as the alpha-Gal syndrome (AGS) or red meat allergy. In this study, a new animal model was developed using zebrafish for the study of allergic reactions and the immune mechanisms in response to tick salivary biogenic substances and red meat consumption. The results showed allergic hemorrhagic anaphylactic-type reactions and abnormal behavior patterns likely in response to tick salivary toxic and anticoagulant biogenic compounds different from α-Gal. However, the results showed that only zebrafish previously exposed to tick saliva developed allergic reactions to red meat consumption with rapid desensitization and tolerance. These allergic reactions were associated with tissue-specific Toll-like receptor-mediated responses in types 1 and 2 T helper cells (TH1 and TH2) with a possible role for basophils in response to tick saliva. These results support previously proposed immune mechanisms triggering the AGS and provided evidence for new mechanisms also potentially involved in the AGS. These results support the use of the zebrafish animal model for the study of the AGS and other tick-borne allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinela Contreras
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Iván Pacheco
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sandra Díaz-Sánchez
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sara Artigas-Jerónimo
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain.,UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
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