Further studies of patients with both honeybee- and yellow-jacket-venom-specific IgE.

Abstract

Twenty-five sera from patients with high titers of both honeybee- and yellow-jacket-venom-specific IgE were analyzed in RAST inhibition experiments, using each venom as the coupling and inhibiting antigen. Eight sera had unique antibody activity with no cross-reactivity between yellow-jacket- and honeybee-venom-specific IgE. In 5 sera, the IgE antibody activity was directed at a major allergen in yellow jacket venom cross-reacting with a minor allergen in honeybee venom. Honeybee venom inhibited only the honeybee venom RAST; yellow jacket venom inhibited both the honeybee and the yellow jacket venom RAST. Five sera showed the opposite pattern with IgE antibody directed at a major allergen in honeybee venom cross-reacting with a minor allergen in yellow jacket venom. The fourth newly observed pattern was that of extensive IgE antibody cross-reaction found with 7 sera. Both honeybee venom and yellow jacket venom inhibited both the honeybee and yellow jacket venom RASTs. There were no clinical features such as age, sex, atopy or type of anaphylactic symptoms which could distinguish patients in each group. All but one patient had a history of multiple sting exposures. These data suggest multiple allergens in honeybee and yellow jacket venom with differing patterns of cross-reactivity and have important implications for proper venom immunotherapy.