Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging allergic condition triggered by bites from certain ticks, notably the lone star tick. The syndrome causes allergic reactions to a sugar molecule called galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) found in red meat and other animal products. Humans do not naturally produce alpha-gal, so the immune system recognizes it as an allergen, causing responses that range from gastrointestinal symptoms to anaphylaxis. Since 2010, about 110,000 suspected cases have been identified in the U.S., though the actual number may be higher due to underdiagnosis. Currently, there are no specific treatments, and prevention primarily relies on avoiding tick bites and the consumption of red meat and related products.
A research team led by NIH scientists Dr. Peter Crompton and Dr. Scott Commins at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill developed 42 monoclonal antibodies specific to alpha-gal, initially aiming to target malaria parasites. Although these antibodies did not effectively bind to malaria, screening revealed that 13 of them bound to allergens associated with alpha-gal syndrome. Notably, two antibodies blocked IgE from patients with the syndrome from attaching to some alpha-gal-related allergens, and one interfered with the activation of basophils, immune cells involved in allergic reactions.
These findings suggest that monoclonal antibodies could potentially be developed to prevent allergic reactions in people with alpha-gal syndrome. However, further research is needed to evaluate their efficacy and safety for treatment purposes.