Association between Venom Immunotherapy and Changes in Serum Protein—Peptide Patterns

Abstract

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is administered to allergic patients to reduce the risk of dangerous systemic reactions following an insect sting. To better understand the mechanism of this treatment and its impact on the human organism, we analysed serum proteomic patterns obtained at five time-points from Hymenoptera-venom-allergic patients undergoing VIT. For statistical analyses, patients were additionally divided into two groups (high responders and low responders) according to serum sIgG4 levels. VIT was found to be associated with changes in seven proteins: the fibrinogen alpha chain, complement C4-A, complement C3, filamin-B, kininogen-1, myosin-9 and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H1. The number of discriminative m/z (mass-to-charge ratio) features increased up to the 90th day of VIT, which may be associated with the development of immunity after the administration of increased venom doses. It may also suggest that during VIT, there may occur processes involved not only in protein synthesis but also in protein degradation (caused by proteolytic venom components). The results are consistent with measured serum sIgG4 levels, which increased from 2.04 mgA/I at baseline to 7.25 mgA/I at 90 days. Moreover, the major proteomic changes were detected separately in the high responder group. This may suggest that changes in protein–peptide profiles reflect the actual response to VIT.

Time-dependent effect of desensitization with wasp venom on selected parameters of the immune system

“…Here we observed a significant reduction in the blood concentration of C3 and C4 components, especially in the long period after desensitization with Hymenoptera venom, without any changes of the C5 concentration. These results are in agreement with Matysiak et al 39 , who showed decreased levels of C3 and C4 in serum of patients after venom immunotherapy (VIT) measured by MALDI-TOF MS technique. This may be a new mechanism by which desensitization modulates the immune 'system's response to Hymenoptera venom.…”

Diagnosis of Hymenoptera Venom Allergy: State of the Art, Challenges, and Perspectives

“…Additionally, in the previous study performed by our team using the MALDI-TOF MS technique, we identified inflammation factors whose expression were altered in human serum under the influence of Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy [ 66 ]. The results of the abovementioned research indicate that most of the identified proteins change in serum after occasional stinging by insects and after venom-specific immunotherapy- Figure 5 .…”

Production of Polyclonal Antibodies Against Indian Paper Wasp Ropalidia Marginata Venom Toxins and Their Efficacy in the Reversal of Toxic Effects

“…During VIT the number of effector cells in target organs also decreases, such as mast cells, basophils, innate type 2 lymphocytes, and eosinophils [54]. VIT was found to be associated with changes level of certain proteins i.e., fibrinogen alpha chain, complement C4-A, complement C3, filamin-B, kininogen-1, myosin-9 and inter-alphatrypsin inhibitor heavy chain H1 (Venom immunotherapy of patients leads to an increase in allergen-specific IgG, it shows clinical improvement of the patient after administration of antiserum.…”