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The Meat of the Matter: Understanding and Managing Alpha-Gal Syndrome
detection of serum alpha-gal specific IgE is typically used to support a diagnosis of red meat allergy caused by alpha-gal syndrome, whereas an oral food challenge, if performed and if positive, confirms it. …if alpha-gal IgE antibodies are ≥2 IU/mL or >2% of the total IgE there is more likely to be a clinically relevant allergy.
Alpha-gal syndrome: A review for the dermatologist
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.
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“Doc, Will I Ever Eat Steak Again?” : Diagnosis and Management of Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Humans make high titers of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies against alpha-gal, likely driven by chronic antigen stimulation by glycans from the commensal microbiota. Several tick species, including species linked to alpha-gal syndrome, may underpin immunological memory in AGS.
Presentation Details:
- Abstract Title: Alpha-gal Specific Monoclonal Antibodies Discovered from Red Meat Allergic Individuals
- Poster Number: 843
- Session Title: Novel Genes and Biomarkers of Allergic Disease
- Session Type: Poster Session
- Session Date/Time: sunday,March 2,9:45 am – 10:45 am
About IgGenix
IgGenix is a privately held antibody discovery and development company taking a revolutionary approach to directly address allergies and atopic diseases. Thru our proprietary SEQ SIFTERTM discovery platform, developed from foundational research of co-founders Stephen Quake, Kari Nadeau, and Derek Croote of Stanford university, we isolate and re-engineer fully human, high-affinity, allergen-specific antibodies designed to block and prevent the allergic cascade. By targeting common immunodominant allergens and their most critically important epitopes across the patient population, we intend to treat allergic pediatric and adult patients alike across food and environmental allergies.This novel approach may prevent life-threatening allergic reactions, saving lives and reducing the constant fear that affects millions of people living with severe allergies.
SOURCE IgGenix
The Meat of the Matter: Understanding and Managing alpha-Gal Syndrome
Table of Contents
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an increasingly recognized allergy to red meat and other mammalian products, resulting from immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against the sugar moiety galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). Typically acquired following tick bites,AGS presents with a range of symptoms including urticaria,abdominal pain,nausea,and occasionally anaphylaxis.
Interview with Dr. Rachel Carlson, Allergy Specialist
John Thompson (JT): hello, thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carlson. Can you provide an overview of Alpha-Gal syndrome?
Dr. Rachel carlson (RC): Thank you, John. Alpha-Gal Syndrome, or AGS, is an allergen-specific response to the sugar galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. This sugar is commonly found in the tissues of mammals but is foreign to humans. It’s acquired following bites from certain species of ticks, which triggers the immune system to produce IgE antibodies against alpha-gal.
Diagnosis and Symptoms
JT: How is AGS typically diagnosed?
RC: Diagnosis often involves detection of serum alpha-gal specific IgE. If alpha-gal IgE antibodies are 2 IU/mL or more, or greater than 2% of the total IgE in the patient’s blood, it suggests a clinically relevant allergy. Moreover,an oral food challenge can confirm the diagnosis if the patient reactively exhibits symptoms after consuming red meat.
JT: what symptoms are commonly seen in individuals with AGS?
RC: The symptoms of AGS vary widely among individuals and occurrences. Common presentations include urticaria (hives), abdominal pain, nausea, and occasionally anaphylaxis. This variability makes it critical to monitor and diagnose symptoms carefully.
Ticks and Immune Response
JT: Can you explain how ticks may contribute to the advancement of AGS?
RC: Ticks, notably species like the Lone Star tick, carry the alpha-gal sugar. When a tick bites a human, it transmits alpha-gal, which the human immune system misidentifies as a threat. Over time, the immune system produces IgE antibodies against alpha-gal, leading to allergic reactions when the individual consumes red meat or other mammalian products later on.
JT: How does the immune system’s response develop typically over time?
RC: Humans already produce antibodies such as IgG, IgM, and IgA against alpha-gal. Chronic exposure to commensal microbiota glycans may drive the production of these antibodies.When ticks introduce alpha-gal, it exacerbates this immune response, leading to the development of IgE antibodies specific to alpha-gal.
Novel Treatments and Research
JT: What are some of the newer treatments and research approaches being explored for AGS?
RC: Companies like IgGenix are using innovative platforms to develop monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies are designed to block the allergic cascade by targeting immunodominant allergens. This approach may prevent life-threatening allergic reactions and reduce anxiety for affected individuals.
JT: You mentioned IgGenix’s SEQ SIFTERTM finding platform. Can you elaborate on the benefits of this approach?
RC: IgGenix’s SEQ SIFTERTM platform isolates and re-engineers fully human, high-affinity, allergen-specific antibodies. This approach is tailored to treat allergic pediatric and adult patients, spanning food and environmental allergies. by addressing common epitopes across patient populations, it offers a broad-spectrum treatment solution.
Concluding Thoughts
JT: Dr.Carlson,what is the key takeaway you woudl like our readers to understand about Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
RC: Alpha-Gal Syndrome is an increasingly recognized and potentially serious allergic condition that presents with variable symptoms. Early diagnosis and awareness are critical for managing the condition and preventing severe reactions. We are also seeing promising developments in treatment approaches, such as the work by IgGenix, which holds the potential to considerably improve the quality of life for those affected by this allergy.
JT: Thank you very much, Dr. Carlson, for your insights and expertise.
