IgE Sensitization to the Food Allergen Galactose-α-1,3-Galactose is Associated with Coronary Atherosclerosis

The oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) is the target of IgE in cases of delayed anaphylaxis to red meat. Sensitization to α-Gal is more prevalent in the community than cases of delayed anaphylaxis and is particularly common in the southeastern United States, a region with high incidence of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, recent reports have linked mast cells and elevated total IgE with coronary artery disease. We sought to test the hypothesis that sensitization to α-Gal represents an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis.