Alpha-gal phenotypes- lessons from various patient populations

Galactose alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is a carbohydrate epitope found on proteins and lipids in non-primate mammals and present in foods (particularly organ or fat-rich red meat) and medications, where it causes delayed onset and immediate onset anaphylaxis respectively. Several species of ticks contain alpha-gal epitopes and possibly salivary adjuvants that promote high titre sensitisation and clinical reactivity. Risk factors for alpha-gal syndrome include exposure to ticks of particular species.
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research