Exploring the Immune System with Alpha-Gal Syndrome

If you’re looking for a captivating, real-world case study to engage students in learning about the immune system and allergies, this Alpha-Gal Syndrome activity might be just what you need! This case study explores the fascinating story of how the immune system can mistake a simple sugar found in red meat for a threat—all because of a tick bite! Students will follow Mike’s journey from his confusing allergic reaction to his diagnosis and management.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) offers an excellent example of immune system hypersensitivity, in a way that’s relatable and current. AGS highlights a unique allergic response, showing students that not all allergies are immediate and that the immune system can react to carbohydrates—not just proteins.

This is a great addition to any unit that covers the immune system, but can also be used with units on ecology and tick-borne diseases. I created another case study on Lyme Disease for my freshman biology students. Case studies are an incredibly effective way to learn biology because they bring abstract concepts to life through real-world examples. They show how biology concepts apply in real-life situations, from understanding disease mechanisms to exploring ecological impacts. This practical focus helps students see the value and relevance of what they’re learning, especially in complex fields like immunology,

Through this case study, students will:

Gain insights into how the immune system identifies and responds to threats
Understand the complex processes involved in allergic reactions
Learn about the important role of antibodies in immune responses

What’s Included in the Printable Worksheet

1. Vocabulary related to the immune system (histamines, anaphylaxis, antibodies)
2. Questions for students to answer as they read the story
3. Graphics showing how the immune system reacts to the alpha-gal carbohydrate
4. Final synthesis question to check for overall understanding of the case

Students can work in groups, or individually. The Google doc is also formatted in a way that it can be assigned through Google Classroom or other LMS. Students can type directly into the document within the text boxes.

Also check out this episode of “This Podcast Will Kill You” that discusses alpha-gal syndrome and was the inspiration behind this case.

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