Biochim Biophys Acta. 2008 Feb;1780(2):75-88. Epub 2007 Nov 22.

The Galalpha1,3Galbeta1,4GlcNAc-R (alpha-Gal) epitope: a carbohydrate of unique evolution and clinical relevance.

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Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Science 246, 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA. macher@sfsu.edu

Abstract

In 1985, we reported that a naturally occurring human antibody (anti-Gal), produced as the most abundant antibody (1% of immunoglobulins) throughout the life of all individuals, recognizes a carbohydrate epitope Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc-R (the alpha-gal epitope). Since that time, an extensive literature has developed on discoveries related to the alpha-gal epitope and the anti-Gal antibody, including the barrier they form in xenotransplantation and their reciprocity in mammalian evolution. This review covers these topics and new avenues of clinical importance related to this unique antigen/antibody system (alpha-gal epitope/anti-Gal) in improving the efficacy of viral vaccines and in immunotherapy against cancer.

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Review The α-Gal epitope (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R) in xenotransplantation. [Biochimie. 2001]
Review The α-Gal epitope (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R) in xenotransplantation.
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alpha-galactosyl (Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc-R) epitopes on human cells: synthesis of the epitope on human red cells by recombinant primate alpha1,3galactosyltransferase expressed in E.coli. [Glycobiology. 1995]
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The Galalpha1,3Galbeta1,4GlcNAc-R (alpha-Gal) epitope: a carbohydrate of unique evolution and clinical relevance.

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