RT Journal Article
T1 The Role of Anisakis sp. in α-Gal Sensitization: Implications for Parasitic-Induced Meat Allergy
A1 Rodero Martínez, Marta
A1 Romero, Sara
A1 Valcárcel, Ángela
A1 González Fernández, Juan
A1 Olmeda, A. Sonia
A1 Valcárcel, Félix
A1 Daschner, Alvaro
A1 Cuéllar Del Hoyo, María Del Carmen
AB 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.
PB MDPI
SN 2076-0817
YR 2025
FD 2025-08-07
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/124878
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/124878
LA eng
NO Rodero M, Romero S, Valcárcel Á, González-Fernández J, Olmeda AS, Valcárcel F, Daschner A, Cuéllar C. The Role of Anisakis sp. in α-Gal Sensitization: Implications for Parasitic-Induced Meat Allergy. Pathogens 2025;14:789. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080789.
DS Docta Complutense
RD 26 feb 2026