Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose

Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose

Names
Systematic IUPAC name 3-O-α-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-galactopyranose
Other names Alpha-gal; 3-α-Galactobiose; Gal(α1-3)Gal; alpha-D-Gal-(1→3)-D-Gal
Identifiers
CAS Number	7313-98-6 13168-24-6 (alternative)
3D model (Jmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	17346769
PubChem	16219440
UNII	XW90KQ841P
InChI InChI=1S/C12H22O11/c13-1-3-5(15)7(17)8(18)12(22-3)23-10-6(16)4(2-14)21-11(20)9(10)19/h3-20H,1-2H2/t3-,4-,5+,6+,7+,8-,9-,10+,11?,12-/m1/s1 Key: QIGJYVCQYDKYDW-SDOYDPJRSA-N
SMILES O([C@@H]1[C@@H](O)C(O)O[C@H](CO)[C@@H]1O)[C@H]2O[C@@H]([C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H]2O)CO
Properties
Chemical formula	C12H22O11
Molar mass	342.30 g·mol^−1
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, commonly known as alpha gal, is a carbohydrate found in most organisms' cell membranes. It is not found in primates, including humans, whose immune systems recognize it as a foreign body and produce xenoreactive immunoglobulin M antibodies, leading to organ rejection after transplantation.^[1] Anti-alpha gal immunoglobulin G antibodies are some of the most common in humans. Regular stimulation from gut flora, typically initiated within the first six months of life, leads to an exceptionally high titre of around 1% of all circulating IgG.^[2] Alpha gal has also been suggested to play a role in an IgE-specific allergic response to some meats.^[3] Recent studies are showing increasing evidence that this allergy may be induced by the bite of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)^[4] in North America and the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricincus) in Sweden.^[5]

See also

• Alpha-gal allergy
• Galactose

References

1. Cowan PJ, Aminian A, Barlow H, Brown AA, Chen CG, Fisicaro N, Francis DM, Goodman DJ, Han W, Kurek M, Nottle MB, Pearse MJ, Salvaris E, Shinkel TA, Stainsby GV, Stewart AB, d'Apice AJ (2000). "Renal xenografts from triple-transgenic pigs are not hyperacutely rejected but cause coagulopathy in non-immunosuppressed baboons". Transplantation. 69 (12): 2504–15. PMID 10910270.
2. Mandell RB, Flick R, Staplin WR, Kaniewski LD, Carzoli AK, Manuszak RP, Wang J, Rossi GR, Vahanian NN, Link CJ (2009). "The αGal HyperAcute(®) Technology: enhancing immunogenicity of antiviral vaccines by exploiting the natural αGal-mediated zoonotic blockade". Zoonoses and Public Health. 56 (6-7): 391–406. doi:10.1111/j.1863-2378.2008.01191.x. PMID 19486321.
3. Williams, Louise (December 27, 2013). "Just one bite". Sydney Morning Herald. Australia. p. 20.
4. "Bad bite: Doctors see surge of sudden meat allergies caused by ticks that are spreading in US" USNews, July 7, 2014
5. Hamsten C, Starkhammar M, Tran TA, Johansson M, Bengtsson U, Ahlén G, Sällberg M, Grönlund H, van Hage M (2013). "Identification of galactose-α-1,3-galactose in the gastrointestinal tract of the tick Ixodes ricinus; possible relationship with red meat allergy". Allergy. 68 (4): 549–52. doi:10.1111/all.12128. PMID 23414348.