Alpha-Gal Syndrome PBMC
About:Alpha-Gal Syndrome PBMC samples are collected from clinically confirmed donors and cryopreserved for IgE-mediated allergy research. Alpha-gal syndrome follows tick-bite sensitization to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose and produces characteristically delayed reactions to mammalian meat. Ideal for basophil activation testing, allergen-specific T cell work, and effector-cell studies.
About Alpha-Gal Syndrome PBMC
Alpha-Gal Syndrome PBMC for IgE-Mediated Allergy Research
Human Alpha-Gal Syndrome PBMC products are sourced from donors clinically diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome and processed under stringent conditions. Alpha-gal syndrome is an IgE-mediated, type 2 immune (allergic) condition: sensitization to the carbohydrate galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose follows tick bites, driven in the United States by the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. These cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) support basophil activation testing, allergen-specific T cell work, and effector-cell studies.
Alpha-Gal Immunology and Why PBMC
- IgE to alpha-gal: sensitized donors carry specific IgE against galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, a glycan present on non-primate mammalian tissue but absent in humans and Old World primates.
- Tick-bite sensitization: bites from Amblyomma americanum in the US, and related ixodid ticks elsewhere, drive class switching to alpha-gal-specific IgE. Repeated bites can boost levels, and sensitization may wane if further bites are avoided.
- Characteristically delayed reactions: symptoms typically begin 3 to 6 hours after eating mammalian meat, because the allergen is carried on chylomicrons and other lipid particles and only reaches the circulation after digestion and lipid processing. This distinguishes alpha-gal syndrome from the immediate onset of most food allergies.
- Effector cells: basophils and mast cells bearing Fc-epsilon-RI-bound alpha-gal-specific IgE are the proximal effectors, which makes PBMCs the correct specimen for basophil activation testing using CD63 and CD203c upregulation on the donor’s own cells.
- Allergen-specific T cells: Th2 responses and the IL-4 and IL-13-driven B cell help behind IgE production can be interrogated by stimulating donor PBMCs with alpha-gal-bearing glycoproteins.
- Clinically important cross-reactivity: alpha-gal IgE underlies hypersensitivity to cetuximab and can affect gelatin-containing products and some bovine or porcine-derived medical materials, making donor cells useful for biologic and device immunogenicity testing.
Donor Stratification Available
- Alpha-gal-specific IgE positive by clinical serology where documented
- Reaction severity: cutaneous-predominant, gastrointestinal-predominant, or a history of anaphylaxis
- Documented tick-bite exposure history and geographic region
- Trigger profile: red meat, organ meat, dairy, or gelatin sensitivity
- Concurrent atopy: asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, or additional food allergy
- Time since diagnosis and current avoidance status
- Matched healthy controls available, including non-sensitized donors from tick-endemic regions
Product Features
- Research Use Only (RUO), cryopreserved PBMCs
- Clinically confirmed Alpha-Gal Syndrome donors
- Available in cell counts ranging from 5 million to 2 billion
- Processed within 24 hours of collection
- Stored using CryoStor® CS10 freezing media
- IRB-approved protocols and electronic informed consent
- Screen LeukoLot™ available prior to bulk orders
De-identified Donor Data
- Verified Alpha-Gal Syndrome diagnosis
- Donor demographics: age, sex assigned at birth, race/ethnicity
- Self-reported allergies, atopic history, and infectious disease history
- Tick-bite history and reaction profile where documented
- Additional Alpha-Gal Syndrome-specific data available upon request
Applications
- Basophil activation testing with alpha-gal glycoconjugates
- Allergen-specific T cell proliferation and cytokine response assays
- Basophil and mast cell degranulation mechanism studies
- Th2 cytokine and IgE class-switch pathway analysis
- Anti-IgE and IgE-pathway therapeutic screening
- Cetuximab and biologic hypersensitivity research
- Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of sensitized versus non-sensitized donors
- Diagnostic and assay development for alpha-gal sensitization
Other Alpha-Gal Syndrome Specimen Types
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome Plasma
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome Serum
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome Whole Blood
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome Leukopak
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome Bulk Plasma
Compliance and Quality Assurance
- IRB-approved collections and protocols
- 21 CFR Part 11-compliant e-consent system
- HIPAA-compliant donor data protection
Ordering & Customization
Alpha-Gal Syndrome PBMC samples are shipped on dry ice and available in custom aliquots. For pricing, current availability, international orders, or regulatory requirements, please contact learnmore@sanguinebio.com to confirm documentation and compliance needs. To browse other conditions and live stock status, visit our human PBMC page.
Applications
- Immunology and translational research
- Biomarker discovery and validation
- Drug screening and assay development
- Vaccine and infectious disease research
Product Features
- Research Use Only (RUO), PBMC
- Sourced from screened, consented donors
- Processed under validated SOPs
- QC tested for purity, viability, and sterility
- Processed within 24 hours of collection
- IRB-approved protocols with electronic informed consent
Donor Metadata
- Verified diagnosis and clinical history
- Demographic data: age, sex assigned at birth, race/ethnicity
- Medication and treatment background when available
Compliance and Quality Assurance
- IRB-approved collections and standardized procedures
- 21 CFR Part 11-compliant e-consent system
- HIPAA-compliant data management
Ordering & Customization
Human PBMC are available in customizable aliquot sizes. For international orders or documentation needs, please contact learnmore@sanguinebio.com to confirm requirements and availability. We also work with multiple ordering platforms and distributors, learn more here.
Protocols & Documentation
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PBMC Isolation from Whole Blood
Standard operating procedure for isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells from whole blood using density-gradient separation.
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Immune Cell Isolation
Guidelines for isolating immune cell populations with validated enrichment steps, purity checkpoints, and documentation.
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Choosing the Right PBMC Configuration
Reference guide comparing PBMC formats, cryopreservation states, and study-fit recommendations for your application.
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Thawing Cryopreserved PBMC
Validated thawing protocol to recover viable cryopreserved PBMCs while minimizing activation and loss of function.
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Informed Consent Form (ICF)
Available upon request — confirms donor consent for research use and downstream commercialization.
PBMC
Where can I find your complete catalog?
You can find our full product catalog here.
How long can samples be stored?
Storage depends on sample type but often cryopreserved samples stored in liquid nitrogen can be stored for years.
What customization options are available?
Extensive customization is available. To discuss your project request a quote or email us at learnmore@sanguinebio.com.
Do you offer prospective collections?
Sanguine offers flexible prospective collection services tailored to fit your research. For more information and to request a quote, please see: our prospective biospecimen collection services page.
What is the turnaround time for custom collections?
Timelines depend on condition, sample type, and I/E criteria but we often start collection within 2 weeks of signed agreement.
Do you have samples in stock?
YES - we have in-stock inventory. You can also email us at learnmore@sanguinebio.com as we continually get new samples in our inventory.
What does unique donor mean?
Each sample from a different individual - Unique donor means each sample comes from a different person, ensuring biological diversity in your study.
Are samples collected under IRB-approved protocols?
YES - "IRB-approved collection protocols" and IRB approval documentation available upon request. Sanguine utilizes two internationally-recognized IRBs (Advarra and WCG IRB) for review and approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
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705 In Stock View InventoryNeed a custom PBMC cohort?
Our scientific team can scope prospective collections with donor-specific I/E criteria, typically starting within 2 weeks of agreement.