The Role of Anisakis sp. in α-Gal Sensitization: Implications for Parasitic-Induced Meat Allergy

Rodero Martínez, MartaRomero, SaraValcárcel, ÁngelaGonzález Fernández, JuanOlmeda, A. SoniaValcárcel, FélixDaschner, AlvaroCuéllar Del Hoyo, María Del Carmen2025-10-142025-10-142025-08-07Rodero 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/pathogens14080789.2076-081710.3390/pathogens14080789https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/124878Background/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.engAttribution 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/The Role of Anisakis sp. in α-Gal Sensitization: Implications for Parasitic-Induced Meat Allergyjournal articlehttps://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080789https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/8/789open access576.8Anisakis sp.Alpha-Gal epitopeParasitic sensitizationAllergic reactionsGlycoproteinsCross-reactivityParasitología (Farmacia)3207.12 Parasitología