The Honeybee Venom Major Allergen Api m 10 (Icarapin) and Its Role in Diagnostics and Treatment of Hymenoptera Venom Allergy

Abstract

Purpose of Review In Hymenoptera venom allergy, the research focus has moved from whole venoms to individual allergenic molecules. Api m 10 (icarapin) has been described as a major allergen of honeybee venom (HBV) with potentially high relevance for diagnostics and therapy of venom allergy. Here, we review recent studies on Api m 10 characteristics as well as its role in component-resolved diagnostics and potential implications for venom-specific immunotherapy (VIT). Recent Findings Api m 10 is a major allergen of low abundance in HBV. It is an obviously unstable protein of unknown function that exhibits homologs in other insect species. Despite its low abundance in HBV, 35 to 72% of HBV-allergic patients show relevant sensitization to this allergen. Api m 10 is a marker allergen for HBV sensitization, which in many cases can help to identify primary sensitization to HBV and, hence, to discriminate between genuine sensitization and cross-reactivity. Moreover, Api m 10 might support personalized risk stratification in VIT, as dominant sensitization to Api m 10 has been identified as risk factor for treatment failure. This might be of particular importance since Api m 10 is strongly underrepresented in some therapeutic preparations commonly used for VIT. Summary Although the role of Api m 10 in HBV allergy and tolerance induction during VIT is not fully understood, it certainly is a useful tool to unravel primary sensitization and individual sensitization profiles in component-resolved diagnostics (CRD). Moreover, a potential of Api m 10 to contribute to personalized treatment strategies in HBV allergy is emerging.

Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy without human serum albumin as a stabilizer in a canine patient

“…The product that we used in this report was designed to contain besides HSA, sodium chloride, phenol, and water for injection. While HSA is a stabilizer, maintaining the structure of allergens and preventing sticking to the glass vials, 10,11 phenol is a preservative 11 . Reconstruction of the VIT without them leads to non‐guaranteed dosage and expiration date of the final product, by the manufacturer.…”

Bee Venom—A Potential Complementary Medicine Candidate for SARS-CoV-2 Infections

“…Melittin (APi M 1) can be used to develop mimotopes ( 49 ). APi M 10 (icarapin), a BV component, activates effector cells of honey bee venom allergic patients ( 53 ). Since IgE possesses an epitope for APi M 10, this may offer opportunity for adjuvant development.…”

Marker allergens in Hymenoptera venom allergy — Characteristics and potential use in precision medicine

“…Icarapin (Api m 10) is a major allergen of unknown function and low abundance in HBV [15,66]. Although icarapin-like proteins are predicted for several insect species [67], proteomic evidence for the presence in another Hymenoptera venom exists so far only for PDV [68].…”