Role of T cells in Alpha-Gal Allergy (AGS)
Official title: Unraveling the Role of T cells in Alpha-Gal IgE Sensitization and Mammalian Meat Allergy
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11353668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how T cells influence the allergic reaction to meat in people with Alpha-Gal syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $242,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI198922-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11353668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Alpha-Gal syndrome or suspected AGS, particularly those with a history of tick bites and meat-triggered reactions.
✕Less likely to help
People without AGS or without exposure to meat-related allergic responses are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
Alpha-Gal syndrome is a tick-borne allergy where the body reacts to red meat due to IgE against a specific sugar. The project will study whether T cells help drive the antibody response that leads to AGS and how different T cell types contribute to sensitization and reaction severity. Researchers will use human samples and established models to examine T cell involvement and IgE class switching related to the a-Gal carbohydrate. The findings could improve understanding of why some people develop severe reactions and how to prevent or treat AGS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of AGS could lead to targeted therapies or improved prevention strategies for people with meat allergies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest T cells may influence sugar-specific IgE; this project aims to clarify their exact role in AGS.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Canderan, Glenda — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Canderan, Glenda
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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.