Alpha-gal syndrome and cytokines

Understand the connection

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy to a carbohydrate found in many mammalian products. Reactions can be delayed after exposure and may differ between people.

Follow the pathway

Dr. Purser connects the IgE allergy response with Th2 signaling, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and with eosinophil-related inflammation. The immune pathway explains part of an allergic reaction; it does not replace identifying the trigger.

Bring these questions to your visit

Ask an allergy clinician about testing, exposure avoidance, and an emergency plan appropriate to your reactions. A cytokine result cannot establish whether a particular food or medicine is safe for you.