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The Acari Hypothesis, II: Interspecies Operability of Pattern Recognition Receptors.
Andrew C Retzinger1, Gregory S Retzinger2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Camden Clark Medical Center, West Virginia University, Parkersburg, WV 26101, USA.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 28, 2021
Summary
Tick and mite allergies may be linked. Exposure to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) from tick bites may sensitize individuals, potentially explaining mite allergies due to their similar food sources.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Entomology
Background:
- Hypersensitivity to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is a significant IgE-mediated allergic reaction.
- Ticks transmit alpha-gal through saliva, leading to human sensitization.
- Mites, closely related to ticks, consume protein-rich foods that are common human allergens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a mechanism linking human-acarian interactions to the pathogenesis of allergy.
- To explore the role of alpha-gal sensitization in mite allergy development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on tick and mite allergens.
- Analysis of the immunological cross-reactivity between tick and mite proteins.
- Hypothesizing a shared pathway for allergy development.
Main Results:
- Tick bites can induce IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to alpha-gal.
- Acarian (tick and mite) foodstuffs are major sources of human allergens.
- A proposed mechanism suggests that alpha-gal sensitization by ticks contributes to mite allergy.
Conclusions:
- Human-acarian interactions are hypothesized to be central to allergy pathogenesis.
- The study proposes a novel link between tick-induced alpha-gal sensitization and mite allergy.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms involved.
Keywords:
IgEacari hypothesisfibrinogen-related protein (FReP)interspecies operabilityixoderinmitesticksvectorMore Related Videos
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