Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Clinical Presentation, New Concepts, and Unmet Needs

Opinion statementFor decades, carbohydrate determinants were seen as cross-reactive structures without clinical impact. The discovery of specific IgE to the carbohydrate galactose- α-1,3-galactose, called α-gal, changed our perspective on the allergenic potential of carbohydrate determinants. α-Gal is present in tissues of non-primate mammals and, upon ingestion, can provoke a delayed form of allergic reaction in sensitized patients. We are faced with a new and unique entit y of allergy with high clinical relevance in food allergy and anaphylaxis to drugs derived from mammalian products. Tick bites are assumed to constitute the primary sensitization source to α-gal. To address the complexity of this disease, the term α-gal syndrome has been suggested.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research