Characterization of New Allergens from the Venom of the European Paper Wasp Polistes dominula.

Johannes Grosch,Carsten B Schmidt-Weber,Maria Beatrice Bilò,Michael Dittmar,Christiane Hilger,Bernadette Eberlein,Simon Blank,Ulf Darsow,Markus Ollert,Mariona Pascal,Clara San Bartolomé,Tilo Biedermann,Sebastian Waldherr,Federico De La Roca Pinzón

doi:10.3390/toxins13080559

Abstract

Discriminating Polistes dominula and Vespula spp. venom allergy is of growing importance worldwide, as systemic reactions to either species’ sting can lead to severe outcomes. Administering the correct allergen-specific immunotherapy is therefore a prerequisite to ensure the safety and health of venom-allergic patients. Component-resolved diagnostics of Hymenoptera venom allergy might be improved by adding additional allergens to the diagnostic allergen panel. Therefore, three potential new allergens from P. dominula venom—immune responsive protein 30 (IRP30), vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF C) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2)—were cloned, recombinantly produced and biochemically characterized. Sera sIgE titers of Hymenoptera venom-allergic patients were measured in vitro to assess the allergenicity and potential cross-reactivity of the venom proteins. IRP30 and VEGF C were classified as minor allergens, as sensitization rates lay around 20–40%. About 50% of P. dominula venom-allergic patients had measurable sIgE titers directed against PLA2 from P. dominula venom. Interestingly, PLA2 was unable to activate basophils of allergic patients, questioning its role in the context of clinically relevant sensitization. Although the obtained results hint to a questionable benefit of the characterized P. dominula venom proteins for improved diagnosis of venom-allergic patients, they can contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Hymenoptera venoms and to the identification of factors that determine the allergenic potential of proteins.

Highlights

Polistes dominula (European paper wasp) populations are on the rise across Europe and the world
Proteins included in this study were all identified by mass spectrometry in P. dominula venom (PDV) [11]
Proteins were chosen based on the presence of a signal sequence for the extracellular matrix and/or if homologous proteins are described as Hymenoptera venom allergens

Summary

Introduction

Polistes dominula (European paper wasp) populations are on the rise across Europe and the world. This highly invasive species, originating from the warmer regions of southern. Sightings were reported in South Africa and the United States of America [1,2] and in Germany, Poland and Ukraine [3,4,5]. An increase in sting incidents and, in allergy to P. dominula venom (PDV) is to be expected. The new stinging insect led to an increase in encounters, including reports of fatal systemic reactions to the venom of V. vulgaris in the population [6,7]

Methods

Results

Conclusion