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Volume 14
Issue 8
10.3390/pathogens14080789
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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

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

by
Marta Rodero
1,*,
Sara Romero
1,
Ángela Valcárcel
1,2,
Juan González-Fernández
1,
A. Sonia Olmeda
3,
Félix Valcárcel
4,
Alvaro Daschner
5 and
Carmen Cuéllar
1,*
1
Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
2
UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
3
Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
4
Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
5
Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS)-Servicio de Alergia, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Pathogens 2025, 14(8), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080789 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 19 June 2025 / Revised: 3 August 2025 / Accepted: 6 August 2025 / Published: 7 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Host-Parasite Interactions)
Versions Notes

Abstract

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.
Keywords: Anisakis sp.; alpha-Gal epitope; parasitic sensitization; allergic reactions; glycoproteins; cross-reactivity Anisakis sp.; alpha-Gal epitope; parasitic sensitization; allergic reactions; glycoproteins; cross-reactivity

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MDPI and ACS Style

Rodero, M.; Romero, S.; Valcárcel, Á.; González-Fernández, J.; Olmeda, A.S.; 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

AMA Style

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(8):789. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080789

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rodero, Marta, Sara Romero, Ángela Valcárcel, Juan González-Fernández, A. Sonia Olmeda, Félix Valcárcel, Alvaro Daschner, and Carmen Cuéllar. 2025. "The Role of Anisakis sp. in α-Gal Sensitization: Implications for Parasitic-Induced Meat Allergy" Pathogens 14, no. 8: 789. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080789

APA Style

Rodero, M., Romero, S., Valcárcel, Á., González-Fernández, J., Olmeda, A. S., Valcárcel, F., Daschner, A., & Cuéllar, C. (2025). The Role of Anisakis sp. in α-Gal Sensitization: Implications for Parasitic-Induced Meat Allergy. Pathogens, 14(8), 789. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080789

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