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Galactose-α-1,3-galactose

Galactose-α-1,3-galactose, commonly known as alpha gal and the Galili antigen, is a carbohydrate found in most mammalian cell membranes. It is not found in catarrhines, including humans, who have lost the glycoprotein alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene. Their immune systems recognize it as a foreign substance and produce xenoreactive immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies, leading to organ rejection after transplantation.

Anti-alpha gal immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are some of the most common in humans. Regular stimulation from gut flora, typically initiated within the first six months of life, leads to an exceptionally high titre of around 1% of all circulating IgG. Alpha gal has also been suggested to play a role in an immunoglobulin E-specific allergic response to some meats. While this allergic response is quite well documented, there is significant discrepancy between laboratory tests and clinical findings, indicating that much research must still be done on the alpha gal mechanism of action and related tests. Recent studies are showing increasing evidence that this allergy may be induced by the bite of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) in North America and the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) in Sweden.

A bacterial α-galactosidase that efficiently removes linear alpha gal ends from molecules has been identified. It could be useful for xenotransplantation in the future. Human reaction to alpha gal has beneficial uses as a vaccine adjuvant and for enhancing wound healing. Conversely, Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to the carbohydrate. It is caused by tick bite.

References

References

  1. Singh, S., Thompson, J. A., Yilmaz, B., Li, H., Weis, S., Sobral, D., Truglio, M., Aires da Silva, F., Aguiar, S., Carlos, A. R., Rebelo, S., Cardoso, S., Gjini, E., Nuñez, G., & Soares, M. P. (2021). Loss of α-gal during primate evolution enhanced antibody-effector function and resistance to bacterial sepsis. ''Cell Host & Microbe'', '''29''' (3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2020.12.017
  2. (June 2000). "Renal xenografts from triple-transgenic pigs are not hyperacutely rejected but cause coagulopathy in non-immunosuppressed baboons". Transplantation.
  3. (February 2008). "The Galalpha1,3Galbeta1,4GlcNAc-R (alpha-Gal) epitope: a carbohydrate of unique evolution and clinical relevance.". Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects.
  4. Williams, Louise. (December 27, 2013). "Just one bite". Sydney Morning Herald.
  5. (November 2017). "P112 Correlation between clinical findings and laboratory tests for alpha gal sensitivity". Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
  6. (17 May 2019). "Discovery of Alpha-Gal-Containing Antigens in North American Tick Species Believed to Induce Red Meat Allergy". Frontiers in Immunology.
  7. [https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2014/08/07/bad-bite-a-tick-can-make-you-allergic-to-red-meat "Bad bite: Doctors see surge of sudden meat allergies caused by ticks that are spreading in US"] USNews, July 7, 2014
  8. (2023). "Tick bite-induced alpha-gal syndrome and immunologic responses in an alpha-gal deficient murine model". Frontiers in Immunology.
  9. (April 2013). "Identification of galactose-α-1,3-galactose in the gastrointestinal tract of the tick Ixodes ricinus; possible relationship with red meat allergy". Allergy.
  10. (28 March 2008). "Identification of a GH110 subfamily of alpha 1,3-galactosidases: novel enzymes for removal of the alpha 3Gal xenotransplantation antigen.". The Journal of Biological Chemistry.
  11. (September 2013). "Anti-Gal: an abundant human natural antibody of multiple pathogeneses and clinical benefits.". Immunology.
  12. (August 2009). "The αGal HyperAcute(®) Technology: enhancing immunogenicity of antiviral vaccines by exploiting the natural αGal-mediated zoonotic blockade". Zoonoses and Public Health.
  13. (2013). "Delayed Anaphylaxis to Red Meat in Patients with IgE Specific for Galactose alpha-1,3-Galactose (alpha-gal)". Current Allergy and Asthma Reports.
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