IgE antibodies to alpha-gal and heart disease in mice and people
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-11567002 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how specific IgE antibodies against alpha-gal might influence the development and severity of atherosclerosis in humans and mouse 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) | $563,377 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI172112-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11567002 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or without known alpha-gal IgE sensitivity who have or are at risk for coronary artery disease.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without alpha-gal IgE sensitization or with non-atherosclerotic conditions may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at whether having IgE antibodies to the alpha-gal allergen is linked to worse artery disease. It uses patient samples and mouse experiments to explore cellular and molecular pathways that connect alpha-gal IgE with plaque formation and inflammation. The team plans analyses of B cells, transcriptomics, and other immune signals to uncover mechanisms that drive atherosclerosis in the context of alpha-gal sensitivity. The findings could point toward new ideas for preventing or treating CAD in people with this immune profile.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal a new immune-related factor in heart disease and guide future therapies or prevention strategies for patients with alpha-gal IgE.
How similar studies have gone: Prior data suggest an association between alpha-gal IgE and CAD, but causal mechanisms remain to be clarified; this study expands on promising but still emerging evidence.
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.