Analysis of Differing Patterns of Cross-Reactivity of Honeybee and Yellow Jacket Venom-Specific IgE: Use of Purified Venom Fractions

Abstract

Prior studies of sera from insect sting-allergic patients have analyzed the relationship of coexisting honeybee venom- and yellow jacket venom-specific IgE. Radioallergosorbent (RAST)-inhibition tests with these venoms revealed four different patterns of activity. In this present study, purified fractions prepared from these venoms were used to analyze these varying patterns. The hyaluronidases of yellow jacket venom and honeybee venom showed extensive cross-reaction. The phospholipases from these venoms showed minimal cross-reactivity; antigen 5 was restricted to yellow jacket venom. There was a high molecular weight component in yellow jacket venom with immunologic properties similar to honeybee venom acid phosphatase. Sera from individual patients showed quantitative and qualitative differences in the reactions to the major components of both venoms. The differences in the RAST-inhibition patterns in patients with elevated levels of both honeybee venom- and yellow jacket venom-specific IgE are accounted for by these differences as well as by differences in the cross-reactivity between the individual components.

Importance of basophil activation testing in insect venom allergy

“…True double sensitization and cross-reactivity must be considered as a cause of the double positivity and diagnosed in this group of patients [3]. Cross-reactivity is possible on the protein level most often through venom hyaluronidases or through carbohydrates epitopes (CCD) [4,5]. Distinguishing between double sensitization and cross-reactivity is crucial for the choice of a proper allergen for specific immunotherapy in patients who didn't recognize the culprit insect [6].…”

Carbohydrate epitopes as a cause of cross-reactivity in patients allergic to Hymenoptera venom

“…True double sensitization and also cross-reactivity must be considered as causes of the double positivity in this group of patients [1]. Cross-reactivity of venom hyaluronidases and with carbohydrate epitopes is known [2,3], and distinguishing between double sensitization and cross-reactivity is crucial in the choice of allergen for specific immunotherapy in patients who did not recognize the culprit insect [4]. If double sensitization is proven, immunotherapy with both venoms is required; if cross-reactivity is the case, only the venom that caused sensitization should be used [1].…”

Key Issues in Hymenoptera Venom Allergy: An Update

“…There may also be cross-reactivity between homologous allergens from different species [14,38] if they partially share their identity, as is the case with hyaluronidase (Api m 2/ Ves v 2), dipeptidylpeptidase IV (Api m 5/Ves v 3), and vitellogenin (Api m 12/Ves v 6). The relevance of these crossreactions remains unknown, and further studies are needed to clarify the issue.…”