IgE against alpha-gal and its role in atherosclerosis in humans and mice
Official title: IgE antibody responses to the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) in murine and human atherosclerosis
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11385331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study investigates how allergy-related IgE to the sugar alpha-gal may influence coronary artery disease in people and in animal models.
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 start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,002,379 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172112-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385331 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with alpha-gal sensitization or suspected exposure to tick bites who may have or be at risk for ASCVD.
✕Less likely to help
People without alpha-gal sensitization or ASCVD are less likely to benefit from this research directly.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine whether IgE antibodies to alpha-gal, a sugar linked to tick bites, contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. The project uses human samples and mouse models to explore cellular and molecular pathways that connect allergic IgE responses with atherosclerosis. By analyzing B cell behavior, gene expression, and inflammatory signals in vessel walls, the study aims to reveal mechanisms that could link allergy to heart disease. The findings could point to new ideas for preventing or treating CAD in people with alpha-gal sensitization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this link could lead to new strategies to reduce heart attack risk for people with alpha-gal sensitization.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests an association between alpha-gal IgE and worse CAD, with some mechanistic insights but no definitive causal proof.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erickson, Loren D — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Erickson, Loren D
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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.