NIH researchers identified rare antibodies that could help guide development of targeted treatments for alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy associated with tick bites.
The team isolated antibodies during malaria research and later found that some could bind alpha-gal-related allergens. Two blocked allergic IgE antibodies from attaching to certain allergens in laboratory testing.
The work is an early research step rather than a treatment available to patients. Researchers say additional studies are needed to determine whether similar antibodies can safely prevent allergic reactions in people.