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Related Concept Videos

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis01:30

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
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Allergic Reactions

Overview
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions01:19

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions01:30

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
Hypersensitivities01:30

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
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Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Allergic Drug Reactions01:27

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Zebrafish Animal Model for the Study of Allergic Reactions in Response to Tick Saliva Biomolecules
07:01

Zebrafish Animal Model for the Study of Allergic Reactions in Response to Tick Saliva Biomolecules

Published on: September 16, 2022

Tick bites and red meat allergy.

Scott P Commins1, Thomas A E Platts-Mills

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. scottcommins@virginia.edu

Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|June 8, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A new type of anaphylaxis linked to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) has been identified. Tick bites are a significant cause of this IgE antibody response, leading to allergic reactions to red meat and certain medications.

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A Model for Experimental Exposure of Humans to Larval Ixodes scapularis Ticks
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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Zebrafish Animal Model for the Study of Allergic Reactions in Response to Tick Saliva Biomolecules
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Published on: September 16, 2022

A Model for Experimental Exposure of Humans to Larval Ixodes scapularis Ticks
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Published on: December 1, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • A novel form of anaphylaxis has been described, mediated by IgE antibodies targeting the mammalian oligosaccharide epitope galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal).
  • Understanding the origins and prevalence of this specific IgE response is crucial for diagnosing and managing allergic reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review ongoing research into the causes and distribution of IgE antibody responses to the alpha-gal epitope.
  • To highlight the association of alpha-gal specific IgE with distinct anaphylaxis presentations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent research findings on IgE antibody responses to alpha-gal.
  • Identification of clinical associations with anaphylaxis and potential causative agents.

Main Results:

  • A novel IgE antibody response to alpha-gal has been linked to immediate anaphylaxis with cetuximab and delayed anaphylaxis after consuming mammalian products (beef, pork).
  • Tick bites are strongly implicated as a primary cause of alpha-gal specific IgE in the US and internationally.

Conclusions:

  • Increasing numbers of patients with IgE antibodies to alpha-gal are being identified globally.
  • Clinicians need to recognize this IgE response, as delayed reactions to mammalian meat can be misdiagnosed as idiopathic anaphylaxis.