# IgE antibodies to the mammalian oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose (alpha-gal): immunology, epidemiology and relevance to allergic and inflammatory disease

> **NIH NIH R37** · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · 2024 · $360,000

## Abstract

SUMMARY
The syndrome of delayed anaphylaxis to red meat, i.e. the alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), is found exclusively in
patients who have serum IgE antibody (ab) to the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal).
This form of sensitization is related to bites of the tick Amblyomma americanum, however other ticks appear to
be relevant in other countries. The objective of the parent study is to investigate the epidemiology, etiology,
immunology and clinical features of AGS which is now known to be common in a large area of the USA. In this
supplemental application we propose to build off existing cross-sectional cohort studies to carry out
prospective longitudinal studies on AGS patients. We will also prospectively follow individuals from the
community at-risk for alpha-gal sensitization on the basis of tick bite history. This research will provide
important information about clinical and immunologic aspects of AGS natural history. In addition, we propose to
collaborate with colleagues in Vascular and Cardiovascular surgery to investigate alpha-gal antibody
responses in patients undergoing implantation of biologic grafts or valves. The goal is to determine whether
implantation of porcine or bovine-derived biologics (which contain alpha-gal) can induce IgE and/or IgG
antibodies to alpha-gal. We will also follow these patients over time to determine if graft or valve failure is more
common in patients with high-level antibody responses to alpha-gal.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11043675
- **Project number:** 3R37AI020565-40S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- **Principal Investigator:** THOMAS A. PLATTS-MILLS
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $360,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 1984-07-01 → 2028-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11043675

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11043675, IgE antibodies to the mammalian oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose (alpha-gal): immunology, epidemiology and relevance to allergic and inflammatory disease (3R37AI020565-40S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11043675. Licensed CC0.

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