Understanding how a tick enzyme may trigger red-meat allergy
Official title: Understanding the Role of Tick Phospholipase A2 in Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Funded at University of Southern Mississippi · NIH-11377997 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinician-scientist aims to understand how a tick enzyme might push the immune system toward meat allergy in adults who develop Alpha Gal Syndrome after a tick bite.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern Mississippi NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hattiesburg, United States) |
| Project start | July 23, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $186,369 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI190957-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377997 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have experienced or are at risk for Alpha Gal Syndrome and related meat-allergy symptoms may be relevant for future translational applications.
✕Less likely to help
People without AGS or without exposure to Am. americanum bites are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at Alpha Gal Syndrome, a new food allergy linked to bites from lone star ticks. It investigates the role of a tick enzyme called phospholipase A2 in shaping the immune response that leads to allergy to red meat. The study will use laboratory and possibly patient-derived samples to explore how tick saliva could drive a Th2-skewed response and the presence of the α-gal sugar in foods. By clarifying these mechanisms, the work could point to better diagnostics and preventive strategies for AGS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could contribute to better tests and prevention methods for Alpha Gal Syndrome, potentially reducing allergy risk after tick bites.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked tick bites to AGS and salivary enzymes to immune responses, but this specific mechanism is being explored for the first time.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karim, Shahid — University of Southern Mississippi
- Study coordinator: Karim, Shahid
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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.