Alpha‑gal antibody link to artery plaque and heart disease
IgE antibody responses to the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) in murine and human atherosclerosis
This research looks at whether IgE antibodies to the alpha‑gal sugar—often triggered by lone star tick bites—contribute to artery plaque in people with or at risk for coronary artery 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-11129685 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you may be asked for blood samples and medical information so researchers can measure alpha‑gal IgE and related immune cell types. The team will compare people with and without alpha‑gal antibodies to see if plaque size or instability differs and to profile B cells that make these antibodies. In parallel, lab experiments in mice will test whether alpha‑gal–specific IgE can drive plaque formation and how tick exposure and eating red meat might sustain the immune response. Together the human and mouse work aims to link what is seen in people to mechanisms that could explain increased heart disease risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with known or suspected alpha‑gal IgE sensitization or a history of lone star tick exposure, and people with coronary artery disease or its risk factors who can give blood and attend clinic visits.
Not a fit: People without alpha‑gal antibodies and those whose cardiovascular disease is unrelated to immune or allergic mechanisms are less likely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify an allergy‑related risk factor for coronary artery disease and point to ways to prevent or reduce artery plaque.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have found links between alpha‑gal IgE and larger or less stable coronary plaques, but causal proof is limited and this combined human/mouse approach is relatively novel.
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.