On the cause and consequences of IgE to galactose-α-1,3-galactose: A report from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Workshop on Understanding IgE-Mediated Mammalian Meat Allergy

Abstract

The mammalian meat allergy known as the "α-Gal syndrome" relates to IgE specific for galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal), an oligosaccharide that is present in cells and tissues of nonprimate mammals. The recognition of delayed reactions to food derived from mammals in patients with IgE to α-Gal and also the association with tick bites have been increasing worldwide. In 2018, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation, sponsored a workshop on this emerging tick-related disease. International experts from the fields of tick biology, allergy, immunology, infectious disease, and dermatology discussed the current state of our understanding of this emerging medical condition. The participants provided suggestions for specific research priorities and for the development of resources to advance our knowledge of the mechanisms, diagnosis, management, and prevention of this allergic disease. This publication is a summary of the workshop and the panel's recommendations are presented herein.

Keywords: IgE; anaphylaxis; glycolipids; mammalian meat allergy; oligosaccharide allergen; ticks; α-Gal.