Regulation of the Immune Response to α-Gal and Vector-borne Diseases

Vector-borne diseases (VBD) challenge our understanding of emerging diseases. Recently, arthropod vectors have been involved in emerging anaphylactic diseases. In particular, the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody response to the carbohydrate Gal alpha 1-3Gal beta 1-(3)4GIcNAc-R (alpha-gal) following a tick bite was associated with allergies to red meat, cetuximab, and gelatin. By contrast, an anti-alpha-gal IgM antibody response was shown to protect against mosquito-borne malaria. Herein, we highlight the interplay between the gut microbiota, vectors, transmitted pathogens, and the regulation of the immune response as a model to understand the protective or allergic effect of alpha-gal. Establishing the source of alpha-gal in arthropod vectors and the immune response to vector bites and transmitted pathogens will be essential for diagnosing, treating, and ultimately preventing these emerging anaphylactic and other vector-borne diseases.