Abstract
BackgroundWasp venom is a complex mixture containing proteins, enzymes and small molecules, including some of the most dangerous allergens. The greater banded wasp (Vespa tropica) is well-known for its lethal venom, whose one of the major components is a hyaluronidase (HAase). It is believed that the high protein proportion and activity of this enzyme is responsible for the venom potency.MethodsIn the present study, cDNA cloning, sequencing and 3D-structure of Vespa tropica venom HAase were described. Anti-native HAase antibody was used for neutralization assay.ResultsTwo isoforms, VesT2a and VesT2b, were classified as members of the glycosidase hydrolase 56 family with high similarity (42–97 %) to the allergen venom HAase. VesT2a gene contained 1486 nucleotide residues encoding 357 amino acids whereas the VesT2b isoform consisted of 1411 residues encoding 356 amino acids. The mature VesT2a and VesT2b are similar in mass and pI after prediction. They are 39119.73 Da/pI 8.91 and 39571.5 Da/pI 9.38, respectively. Two catalytic residues in VesT2a, Asp107 and Glu109 were substituted in VesT2b by Asn, thus impeding enzymatic activity. The 3D-structure of the VesT2s isoform consisted of a central core (α/β)7 barrel and two disulfide bridges. The five putative glycosylation sites (Asn79, Asn99, Asn127, Asn187 and Asn325) of VesT2a and the three glycosylation sites (Asn1, Asn66 and Asn81) in VesT2b were predicted. An allergenic property significantly depends on the number of putative N-glycosylation sites. The anti-native HAase serum specifically recognized to venom HAase was able to neutralize toxicity of V. tropica venom. The ratio of venom antiserum was 1:12.ConclusionsThe wasp venom allergy is known to cause life-threatening and fatal IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions in allergic individuals. Structural analysis was a helpful tool for prediction of allergenic properties including their cross reactivity among the vespid HAase.
Highlights
Wasp venom is a complex mixture containing proteins, enzymes and small molecules, including some of the most dangerous allergens
The wasp venom HAase belongs to the hyaluronate glycanohydrolase family (EC 3.2.1.35), which degrades hyaluronic acid (HA) [23, 24]
RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′ and 3′ RACE) Total RNA was extracted from the venom gland of V. tropica with TRIzol® reagent (Invitrogen, Life technologies, USA)
Summary
Wasp venom is a complex mixture containing proteins, enzymes and small molecules, including some of the most dangerous allergens. The greater banded wasp (Vespa tropica) is well-known for its lethal venom, whose one of the major components is a hyaluronidase (HAase). Vespidae venom consists of complex mixtures of enzymes, proteins, peptides and small molecules responsible for many of the non-allergic and mild allergic reactions – such as local pain, inflammation and itching – as well as moderate and serious allergic reactions – such. Clinical studies have demonstrated that HAase is an “allergic factor” due to its ability to initiate pathogenic reactions in the majority of venom allergic patients [17,18,19]. Wasp venom HAase is responsible for the cross-reactivity of wasp and bee venom sera in patients as well [2, 25]
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More From: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
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