ImmunoGal

The α-Gal syndrome – Investigating immune reactions to tick bites leading to inflammation and allergic sensitization

Tick bites can transmit infectious diseases, but they can also trigger alpha-Gal syndrome (AGS), a rare food allergy to red meat that develops in some people after exposure to certain tick bites. However, researchers still do not understand why some people develop this allergy while others do not. The ImmunoGal study aims to investigate how the immune system responds during the first hours and weeks after a tick bite. By analysing blood samples and the tick itself, researchers will study immune responses, identify tick-borne pathogens, and determine whether participants develop antibodies associated with alpha-Gal syndrome. By comparing participants who develop an allergic response with those who do not, the study hopes to identify early immune markers that predict the development of alpha-Gal syndrome. The findings will also contribute to national surveillance of tick species and tick-borne diseases in Luxembourg, helping to improve prevention, diagnosis, and public health strategies.

Red meat allergy

Alpha-Gal syndrome

Tick bites

About the study

Recruiting

Healthy Volunteers 18+ years

Immunity and Infection

Locations

Luxembourg Research Clinic (LRC) 6, Rue Nicolas-Ernest Barblé,
L-1210 Luxembourg

Contact

immunogal@lih.lu

+352 26 970-400

Ready to take part?

Our team is available to answer all your questions before you decide.

Participate in this study

Who can participate?

Eligible participants

You may be eligible to participate if you:

Are 18 years of age or older.
Have been bitten by a tick within the last 48 hours.
Are able to provide the tick that caused the bite (dead or alive).
Are willing to attend the study visits, complete questionnaires, and provide blood samples.
Are able to understand the study information and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

You may not be eligible to participate if you:

Have an acute viral/bacterial inflammation.
Have an immune deficiency or are currently under immunosuppressive treatments.
Are undergoing immunotherapy with omalizumab.
Have a neurological disease/cognitive disorder.

Not sure about eligibility?

The study team will review each case individually to determine eligibility. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, do not hesitate to contact us.

What will participants do?

01.

Attend a first study visit

This will take place within 48 hours of removing the tick. You will complete a questionnaire about the tick bite and your health, provide a blood sample, and bring the tick in a small container or envelope for analysis. If you cannot remove the tick yourself, the study team can remove it. The tick should be removed as soon as possible.

02.

Attend a follow-up visit

This will take place 4 to 6 weeks later. You will provide another blood sample and complete a second questionnaire, allowing researchers to study how your immune response changes over time.

02.

Possibly attend a third study visit

If you are selected for additional follow-up, this visit will take place approximately 3 months after the tick bite. It may include allergy assessments to investigate the development of alpha-Gal syndrome.