%0 Journal Article
%A Rodero Martínez, Marta
%A Romero, Sara
%A Valcárcel, Ángela
%A González Fernández, Juan
%A Olmeda, A. Sonia
%A Valcárcel, Félix
%A Daschner, Alvaro
%A Cuéllar Del Hoyo, María Del Carmen
%T The Role of Anisakis sp. in α-Gal Sensitization: Implications for Parasitic-Induced Meat Allergy
%D 2025
%@ 2076-0817
%U https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/124878
%X Background/Objectives: This study investigates the potential of Anisakis sp. as a novel source of α-Gal (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R) epitopes capable of inducing allergic sensitization in humans. While α-Gal is classically associated with delayed IgE-mediated hypersensitivity following tick bites, emerging evidence suggests that parasitic helminths such as Anisakis sp. may also express α-Gal-containing glycoconjugates, offering an alternative sensitization pathway. Methods: Protein extracts from Anisakis sp. third-stage larvae and mammalian tissues (beef, pork) were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot using a monoclonal anti-α-Gal antibody (clone M86), and α-Gal epitopes were detected by ELISA. Sera from urticaria patients, stratified by Anisakis sp. sensitization status, were evaluated for anti-α-Gal IgG, IgE, and IgG4 antibodies. Inhibition assays assessed cross-reactivity. Results: Results confirmed the presence of α-Gal epitopes on Anisakis sp. proteins, with prominent bands at ~250 kDa and 65 kDa. Urticaria patients sensitized to Anisakis sp. exhibited significantly elevated anti-α-Gal antibody levels compared to controls. Inhibition ELISA demonstrated substantial reduction in antibody binding with Anisakis sp. extracts, indicating shared antigenic determinants with mammalian α-Gal. Conclusions: These findings establish Anisakis sp. as a source of α-Gal-containing glycoproteins capable of eliciting specific antibody responses in humans, highlighting a potential parasitic route for α-Gal sensitization.
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