Alpha-gal antibodies and artery (heart) plaque
IgE antibody responses to the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) in murine and human atherosclerosis
This work looks at whether allergy-related antibodies to alpha-gal from tick bites and red-meat reactions affect artery plaque in people with or at risk for heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11377541 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to give blood and clinical information while researchers measure IgE antibodies to alpha-gal and examine specific B cell types and gene activity. They will compare people who have alpha-gal IgE to those who do not and relate those findings to coronary artery plaque features, and run parallel experiments in mice to test cause-and-effect. Gene-expression analyses will search for immune pathways that link allergic responses to artery inflammation. The project connects tick exposure, hidden alpha-gal sensitization, and possible effects on heart artery disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with a history of lone star tick exposure, known IgE sensitization to alpha-gal, red-meat allergic reactions, or people with existing or high risk for coronary artery disease.
Not a fit: People without alpha-gal IgE sensitization and those with no signs or risk of coronary artery disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify people whose alpha-gal antibodies raise heart disease risk and point to ways to prevent or treat artery plaque driven by allergic immune responses.
How similar studies have performed: Early human association studies and preliminary lab data suggest a link between alpha-gal IgE and larger or more unstable coronary plaques, but proving a causal role is new and still untested.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erickson, Loren D — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Erickson, Loren D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.