Comparison of <i>Vespula germanica</i> Venoms Obtained from Different Sources

Abstract

This study was carried out to compare the allergenic potency of Vespula germanica (VG) venoms extracted by different methods and commercially available venoms from Vespula species currently used for in vivo and in vitro studies including immunotherapy. Pure VG venom was used as the reference material. Protein content and enzymatic and allergenic properties of all venoms studied were determined by dye stain reagent, hyaluronidase and phospholipase AB enzyme activities, and radioallergosorbent test inhibition studies, respectively. Radioallergosorbent test discs sensitized with commercial and pure VG venom were compared using specific IgE antibodies from subjects allergic to VG venom. The data obtained indicate that there were important differences in the allergenic potency between the Vespula species venoms employed for in vivo and/or in vitro assays, VG venom obtained by sac dissection, and pure VG venom. These results indicate that venoms from Vespula species used for in vitro and in vivo tests have a lower concentration of allergens and contain nonvenom proteins. These data should be taken into account when these vespid venoms are used for diagnostic purposes and also when evaluating immunotherapy studies.

Hymenoptera ultra‐rush venom immunotherapy (210 min): a safety study and risk factors

“…One explanation may be the differences in the strength of the extracts. In the commercial venom extracts used for VIT, YJ venom allergens are diluted in non‐allergenic venom sac proteins, whereas HB venom is a purified venom with lower concentration of non‐allergenic proteins [25, 26]. Reports in the literature reveal a high variation in the incidence of side‐effects attributable to VIT [5].…”

Prevention and treatment of hymenoptera venom allergy: guidelines for clinical practice

“…Venom immunotherapy with bee venom causes more SR than VIT with Vespula venom; one explanation may be differences in the quality of the extracts (87). In commercial venom extracts, vespid venom allergens are diluted by, nonallergenic venom‐sac proteins, whereas honeybee venom is a purified venom with a lower concentration of nonallergenic proteins (88, 89).…”

Identification of two arginine kinase forms of endoparasitoid Leptomastix dactylopii venom by bottom up‐sequence tag approach

“…Hymenopteran parasitoid venoms are a very complex blend of high and low molecular weight molecules with a dominant component of proteinaceous nature. [12,38,39] However, their composition is rather variable among the species, [39][40][41][42] often on the basis of the ecological strategy (metabolism) of their host that parasitoids redirect for the successful development of their own progeny. This complexity in venom composition enables parasitoids to reduce the host capacity to respond to a single component and/or to adapt them for a wide range of hosts.…”