CONFIRMATION OF THE PRESENCE OF ALPHA-GAL IN IXODES HOLOCYCLUS AND PROBABLE ROLE OF GLYCOSYLATED TICK PROTEINS IN TICK ANAPHYLAXIS

Hongkai Tan, Sheryl van Nunen, Kevin Broady, N. Alice Lee recently presented their findings at the 34th ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy) Annual Conference 2024, confirming the presence of alpha-gal in Ixodes holocyclus. The relationship between alpha-gal and the allergenic potential of tick extracts was shown to be strengthened. Further research will be required to determine whether the alpha-gal identified in Ixodes holocyclus or other glycan moieties have a role in inducing tick anaphylaxis, by glycosylating tick salivary proteins.

TiARA would like to thank Kevin Broady for his invaluable contributions to this research study which has been crucial in its findings.