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Zhan M, Yin J, Xu T, Wen L. Alpha-Gal Syndrome: An Underrated Serious Disease and a Potential Future Challenge. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2024; 8:2300331. [PMID: 39006061 PMCID: PMC11237182 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, red meat allergy, also known as mammalian meat allergy, which manifests differently from classic food allergies, has been reported in different countries and regions, including China. The allergen of this disease is not a protein but an oligosaccharide: galactose-α-1,3-galactose, i.e., alpha-gal or α-gal. Therefore, this clinical syndrome is also called α-gal syndrome (AGS). It clinically manifests as delayed anaphylaxis, i.e., patients generally develop allergic symptoms 2-6 h after ingesting red meat. This clinical manifestation is believed to be related to sensitization to α-gal after tick bites. Sensitized individuals may also develop anaphylaxis after ingesting food and medicine or being exposed to medical equipment containing α-gal, such as cetuximab and gelatin. Here, the literature on AGS is reviewed for a better understanding of its pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Zhan
- Department of AllergyState Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100730China
- Allergy DepartmentBeijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100730China
| | - Jia Yin
- Department of AllergyState Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100730China
- Allergy DepartmentBeijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100730China
| | - Tengda Xu
- Department of Health CarePeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100730China
| | - Liping Wen
- Department of AllergyState Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100730China
- Allergy DepartmentBeijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100730China
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2
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Mayorga C, Çelik GE, Pascal M, Hoffmann HJ, Eberlein B, Torres MJ, Brockow K, Garvey LH, Barbaud A, Madrigal-Burgaleta R, Caubet JC, Ebo DG. Flow-based basophil activation test in immediate drug hypersensitivity. An EAACI task force position paper. Allergy 2024; 79:580-600. [PMID: 38084472 DOI: 10.1111/all.15957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosing immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions (IDHRs) can pose a significant challenge and there is an urgent need for safe and reliable tests. Evidence has emerged that the basophil activation test (BAT), an in vitro assay that mirrors the in vivo response, can be a complementary test for many drugs. In this position paper, members of Task Force (TF) "Basophil activation test in the evaluation of Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions" from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) present the data from a survey about the use and utility of BAT in IDHRs in Europe. The survey results indicate that there is a great interest for using BAT especially for diagnosing IDHRs. However, there are still main needs, mainly in the standardization of the protocols. Subsequently consensus-based recommendations were formulated for: (i) Technical aspects of BAT in IDHRs including type of sample, management of drugs, flow cytometry protocols, interpretation of the results; and (ii) Drug-specific aspects that should be taken into account when performing BAT in relation to betalactams, neuromuscular blocking agents, fluoroquinolones, chlorhexidine, opioids, radio contrast media, chemotherapeutics, biological agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, COVID vaccine, and excipients. Moreover, aspects in the evaluation of pediatric population have also been considered. All this indicates that BAT offers the clinician and laboratory a complementary tool for a safe diagnostic for IDHRs, although its place in the diagnostic algorithm depends on the drug class and patient population (phenotype, geography, and age). The standardization of BAT is important for generalizing this method beyond the individual laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mayorga
- Allergy Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
- RETICS Asma reacciones adversas y alérgicas (ARADYAL) and RICORS Red De Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
| | - G E Çelik
- Department of chest disease, Division of Allergy & Immunology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M Pascal
- RETICS Asma reacciones adversas y alérgicas (ARADYAL) and RICORS Red De Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
- Immunology Department, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - H J Hoffmann
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - B Eberlein
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - M J Torres
- Allergy Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
- RETICS Asma reacciones adversas y alérgicas (ARADYAL) and RICORS Red De Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
- Medicine Department, Malaga University, Málaga, Spain
| | - K Brockow
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - L H Garvey
- Allergy Clinic, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - A Barbaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Tenon, Département de dermatologie et allergologie, Paris, France
| | - R Madrigal-Burgaleta
- Allergy & Severe Asthma Service, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - J C Caubet
- Department of Women-Children-Teenagers, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D G Ebo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology and the Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, Antwerp (Belgium) and Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Allergology, AZ Jan Palfijn Gent, Ghent, Belgium
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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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4
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Ranasinghe T, Aberathna IS, Jayamali J, Nimasha T, Chathurangika H, Peranantharajah D, Colambage H, Malavige GN, Jeewandara C. Sensitization to alpha-gal as a cause of idiopathic anaphylaxis. Clin Transl Allergy 2023; 13:e12309. [PMID: 38146804 PMCID: PMC10698811 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thushali Ranasinghe
- Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology UnitDepartment of Immunology and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Sri JayewardenepuraNugegodaSri Lanka
| | - Inoka Sepali Aberathna
- Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology UnitDepartment of Immunology and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Sri JayewardenepuraNugegodaSri Lanka
| | - Jeewantha Jayamali
- Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology UnitDepartment of Immunology and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Sri JayewardenepuraNugegodaSri Lanka
| | - Thashmi Nimasha
- Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology UnitDepartment of Immunology and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Sri JayewardenepuraNugegodaSri Lanka
| | - Harshani Chathurangika
- Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology UnitDepartment of Immunology and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Sri JayewardenepuraNugegodaSri Lanka
| | - Deneshan Peranantharajah
- Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology UnitDepartment of Immunology and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Sri JayewardenepuraNugegodaSri Lanka
| | - Hashini Colambage
- Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology UnitDepartment of Immunology and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Sri JayewardenepuraNugegodaSri Lanka
| | - Gathsaurie Neelika Malavige
- Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology UnitDepartment of Immunology and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Sri JayewardenepuraNugegodaSri Lanka
| | - Chandima Jeewandara
- Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology UnitDepartment of Immunology and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Sri JayewardenepuraNugegodaSri Lanka
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Reddy S, Yi L, Shields B, Platts-Mills T, Wilson J, Flowers RH. Alpha-gal syndrome: A review for the dermatologist. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 89:750-757. [PMID: 37150300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.04.054] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergy to "red meat" and other mammalian products due to immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against the sugar moiety galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), which is acquired following tick bites. Clinically, AGS presents with urticaria, abdominal pain, nausea, and occasionally anaphylaxis, and has wide inter- and intra-personal variability. Because symptom onset is generally delayed by 2 to 6 hours after meat consumption, AGS can be easily confused with other causes of urticaria and anaphylaxis, such as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical history, positive alpha-gal IgE blood testing and improvement on a mammalian-restricted diet. Management of the syndrome centers primarily on avoidance of mammalian meats (and occasionally dairy and other products) as well as acute management of allergic symptoms. Counseling about tick avoidance measures is also important as AGS will wane over time in many patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Reddy
- Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
| | - Lauren Yi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Bridget Shields
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Thomas Platts-Mills
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jeffrey Wilson
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - R Hal Flowers
- Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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6
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Schmidle P, Blank S, Altrichter S, Hoetzenecker W, Brockow K, Darsow U, Biedermann T, Eberlein B. Basophil Activation Test in Double-Sensitized Patients With Hymenoptera Venom Allergy: Additional Benefit of Component-Resolved Diagnostics. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:2890-2899.e2. [PMID: 37302791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Hymenoptera venom allergy serologically double-sensitized patients, it is often difficult to identify the culprit insect for venom immunotherapy (VIT). OBJECTIVES To evaluate if basophil activation tests (BATs) performed not only with venom extracts but additionally with single component-resolved diagnostics could differentiate between sensitized and allergic individuals and how the test results influenced the physicians' decision regarding VIT. METHODS BATs were performed with bee and wasp venom extracts and with single components (Api m 1, Api m 10, Ves v 1, and Ves v 5) in 31 serologically double-sensitized patients. RESULTS In 28 finally included individuals, 9 BATs were positive and 4 negative for both venoms. Fourteen of 28 BATs showed positive results for wasp venom alone. Two of 10 BATs positive for bee venom were only positive to Api m 1 and 1 of 28 BATs only to Api m 10, but not for whole bee venom extract. Five of 23 BATs positive for wasp venom were only positive for Ves v 5 but negative for wasp venom extract and Ves v 1. Finally, VIT with both insect venoms was recommended in 4 of 28 individuals, with wasp venom alone in 21 of 28 patients and with bee venom alone in 1 of 28. In 2 cases no VIT was recommended. CONCLUSIONS BATs with Ves v 5, followed by Api m 1 and Api m 10, were helpful for the decision for VIT with the clinically relevant insect in 8 of 28 (28.6%) patients. A BAT with components should therefore be additionally carried out in cases with equivocal results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Schmidle
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Blank
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Altrichter
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Wolfram Hoetzenecker
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Knut Brockow
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulf Darsow
- 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
| | - Bernadette Eberlein
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Nordin AH, Husna SMN, Ahmad Z, Nordin ML, Ilyas RA, Azemi AK, Ismail N, Siti NH, Ngadi N, Azami MSM, Mohamad Norpi AS, Reduan MFH, Osman AY, Pratama DAOA, Nabgan W, Shaari R. Natural Polymeric Composites Derived from Animals, Plants, and Microbes for Vaccine Delivery and Adjuvant Applications: A Review. Gels 2023; 9:227. [PMID: 36975676 PMCID: PMC10048722 DOI: 10.3390/gels9030227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A key element in ensuring successful immunization is the efficient delivery of vaccines. However, poor immunogenicity and adverse inflammatory immunogenic reactions make the establishment of an efficient vaccine delivery method a challenging task. The delivery of vaccines has been performed via a variety of delivery methods, including natural-polymer-based carriers that are relatively biocompatible and have low toxicity. The incorporation of adjuvants or antigens into biomaterial-based immunizations has demonstrated better immune response than formulations that just contain the antigen. This system may enable antigen-mediated immunogenicity and shelter and transport the cargo vaccine or antigen to the appropriate target organ. In this regard, this work reviews the recent applications of natural polymer composites from different sources, such as animals, plants, and microbes, in vaccine delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Hassan Nordin
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Arau 02600, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Siti Muhamad Nur Husna
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Arau 02600, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Zuliahani Ahmad
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Arau 02600, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Luqman Nordin
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Centre for Veterinary Vaccinology (VetVaCC), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia
- Centre for Advanced Composite Materials (CACM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Khusairi Azemi
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Noraznawati Ismail
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nordin Hawa Siti
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu 20400, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Norzita Ngadi
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | | | - Abdin Shakirin Mohamad Norpi
- Faculty Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh 30450, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farhan Hanif Reduan
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Centre for Veterinary Vaccinology (VetVaCC), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Abdinasir Yusuf Osman
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield AL9 7TA, Hertfordshire, UK
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Corso Somalia Street, Shingani, Mogadishu P.O. Box 22, Somalia
| | | | - Walid Nabgan
- Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Rumaizi Shaari
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia
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8
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Macdougall JD, Thomas KO, Iweala OI. The Meat of the Matter: Understanding and Managing Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Immunotargets Ther 2022; 11:37-54. [PMID: 36134173 PMCID: PMC9484563 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s276872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-gal syndrome is an unconventional food allergy, characterized by IgE-mediated hypersensitivity responses to the glycan galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) and not to a food-protein. In this review, we discuss how alpha-gal syndrome reframes our current conception of the mechanisms of pathogenesis of food allergy. The development of alpha-gal IgE is associated with tick bites though the possibility of other parasites promoting sensitization to alpha-gal remains. We review the immune cell populations involved in the sensitization and effector phases of alpha-gal syndrome and describe the current understanding of why allergic responses to ingested alpha-gal can be delayed by several hours. We review the foundation of management in alpha-gal syndrome, namely avoidance, but also discuss the use of antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and the emerging role of complementary and alternative therapies, biological products, and oral immunotherapy in the management of this condition. Alpha-gal syndrome influences the safety and tolerability of medications and medical devices containing or derived from mammalian products and impacts quality of life well beyond food choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Macdougall
- Department of Medicine, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,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, 27599, USA
| | - Kevin O Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,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, 27599, USA
| | - Onyinye I Iweala
- Department of Medicine, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,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, 27599, USA
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9
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Rutkowski K, Sowa P, Mroczko B, Pancewicz S, Rutkowski R, Czupryna P, Groblewska M, Łukaszewicz-Zając M, Moniuszko-Malinowska A. Sensitisation and allergic reactions to alpha-1,3-galactose in Podlasie, Poland, an area endemic for tick-borne infections. Infect Dis (Lond) 2022; 54:572-579. [PMID: 35382677 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2022.2057583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ticks transmit several pathogens and seem implicated in the production of specific IgE antibodies to alpha-1,3-galactose (α-gal sIgE). They cause delayed and immediate allergy to mammalian meat and medication including antivenoms, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. METHODS We assessed the prevalence of α-gal sIgE in forest workers and healthy controls in the Podlasie voivodeship, north-eastern Poland; the relationship between α-gal sIgE and allergy to α-gal-containing products; the correlation between α-gal sIgE and anti-Borrelia burgdorferi and anti-tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) antibodies; the relationship between α-gal sIgE and markers of infection with lesser-known pathogens transmitted by ticks such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum. RESULTS Production of α-gal sIgE was closely related to tick bites. The odds ratio for detectable α-gal sIgE was 9.31 times higher among people with a history of tick bites (OR 9.3; p < .05). There was no correlation with the history of TBE, Lyme disease or human granulocytic anaplasmosis. However, serum α-gal sIgE correlated with anti-TBEV IgM antibodies in CSF. There was a strong correlation between α-gal sIgE and total IgE and sIgE to pork and beef. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the link between I.ricinus ticks and the production of α-gal sIgE and confirm that the pathogens carried by ticks we examined for do not seem implicated in this immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Rutkowski
- Department of Adult Allergy, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paweł Sowa
- Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Pancewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Ryszard Rutkowski
- Department of Respiratory Diagnostics and Bronchoscopy, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Czupryna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | | | | | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
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10
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Abstract
Das Alpha-Gal-Syndrom gehört zu den spannendsten Entdeckungen in der Allergologie der letzten 15 Jahre und wird ausgelöst durch spezifisches Immunglobulin E (sIgE) gegen den für Menschen immunogenen Zucker Galaktose-α‑1,3‑Galaktose (Alpha-Gal). Säugetierfleisch, Milch und daraus hergestellte Nahrungsmittel enthalten Alpha-Gal und können zu Anaphylaxien führen. Auch Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte aus Säugetiergewebe können allergen sein. Zeckenstiche gelten als Hauptquelle einer Induktion von Alpha-Gal-sIgE. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, einen Überblick über den Stand des Wissens zum klinischen Bild und zu pathophysiologischen Konzepten zu geben.
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