On Monday 13 April 2026, the Molecular and Translational Allergology group at the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) announced the launch of the second edition of its “ImmunoGal” study, which focuses on understanding tick bites and their possible link to red-meat allergies, a condition known as α-Gal syndrome.
According to LIH, those who have recently been bitten by a tick, are encouraged to bring it in and participate in this study.
Red-meat allergy, or α-Gal syndrome, is a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by consuming mammalian meat or related products such as offal. Unlike most food allergies, symptoms typically appear several hours after consumption. The most common symptom is a skin reaction, although many patients experience a combination of symptoms, including skin, gastrointestinal and respiratory reactions. Recent research suggests that tick bites act as the key trigger for developing this allergy, yet much remains unknown, noted the LIH.
“By studying the immune responses of people immediately after a tick bite, we hope to understand why some individuals develop allergic sensitisation while others do not,” explained Christiane Hilger, project leader and head of the Molecular and Translational Allergology group at the LIH. “Understanding these mechanisms could significantly improve our ability to diagnose, treat and even prevent red-meat allergies and other tick-borne illnesses,” she added.
Participants who have been bitten by a tick are asked to contact the LIH and visit the Luxembourg Research Clinic within 48 hours of detecting the bite. A follow-up visit will take place four to six weeks later.
The study will analyse the tick species, screen for pathogens and collect blood samples to observe immune responses over time. A subgroup of participants will be invited to a third visit three months after the tick bite for a complete follow-up at the Allergology unit of the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL).
The "ImmunoGal" study also aims to answer broader questions, including: when and where people get bitten by ticks, the tick species responsible, how frequently ticks carry pathogens, and why the immune system sometimes responds with severe allergies.
Those interested in contributing to this study, can reach out calling on the phone number +352 26970-400 or writing an email on immunogal@lih.lu
LIH noted that this research aims to support scientists in developing improved prevention strategies and strengthening public health responses to tick-borne diseases and emerging allergies.
