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Tick bite-induced Alpha-Gal Syndrome and Immunologic Responses in an Alpha-Gal Deficient Murine Model
Surendra Raj Sharma1, Shailesh K Choudhary2, Julia Vorobiov2
1School of Biological, Environment and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|November 28, 2023
Summary
Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is an allergic reaction to red meat. Lone-star tick bites sensitize mice to alpha-gal antigens, increasing AGS risk, unlike gulf-coast tick bites.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Entomology
Background:
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a growing global health concern, characterized by IgE antibodies targeting the alpha-gal carbohydrate found in red meat.
- Tick bites are linked to AGS, but the exact immune mechanisms remain unclear.
Approach:
- This study utilized alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (AGKO) mice, sensitized with lone-star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) or gulf-coast ticks (Amblyomma maculatum).
- Researchers analyzed gene expression at bite sites and measured antibody responses following a pork challenge.
Key Points:
- Lone-star tick sensitization significantly increased total IgE, IgG1, and alpha-gal IgG1 antibody titers in AGKO mice.
- Pork challenge induced a drop in body temperature in lone-star tick-sensitized mice.
- Gene expression analysis indicated that Amblyomma americanum bites promote a Th2 immune response, facilitating alpha-gal sensitization.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that specific tick species, like Amblyomma americanum, may elevate the risk of developing alpha-gal-specific IgE and AGS.
- Further research into tick and host factors is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of AGS development.
