Polistes Venom Research Articles

Diagnostic de l’allergie aux venins d’hyménoptères

In case of severe reaction following a hymenoptera sting, the immuno-allergic mechanisms must be confirmed and it is critical to identify precisely the allergen for an eventual venom immunotherapy. The allergological exploration must be postponed from the initial event, usually 4 weeks. A precise history of reaction is the basis of diagnosis and must be rigorous. IgE-dependent reaction is evidenced with intradermal skin tests, and the dosage of specific IgE for Honey bee and Vespula wasp venoms are usually performed together with Polistes venom in south Europe region. Dosages of specific IgE to venom components (Api m1, Api m10, Ves v1, Ves v5, Pol d5…) and Cross-reactive Carbohydrate Determinants help in characterization of the sensitization, especially in case of multiple sensitivity or in case of doubtful identification of the stinging insect. In vitro functional test (Basophil Activation test) and specific IgE-inhibition tests can help solving difficult cases but are not available everywhere. Dosage of specific IgG4 for venom components to measure tolerance induction is still under debate. In vivo, provocation tests with venom are generally not recommended in diagnosis.

Prevalence of Pol d 1 Sensitization in Polistes dominula Allergy and Its Diagnostic Role in Vespid Double-Positivity

Stings by Polistes species frequently cause allergic reactions. However, standard allergy diagnostics are often unable to differentiate between primary sensitization and cross-reactivity in case of Vespula/Polistes double-sensitization because antigen 5 is the only Polistes venom molecule currently available in diagnostics (Pol d 5). To evaluate the frequency of phospholipase A1 in Polistes venom allergy (Pol d 1) and its diagnostic role in vespid allergy. We performed component-resolved diagnostics in patients with vespid allergic reactions who were positive to Polistes venom. A prevalence analysis was performed and the diagnostic accuracy of Pol d 1 was evaluated to detect primary Polistes sensitization in double-sensitized patients. Blood samples were collected from 132 patients. Pol d 1 was present in 97% to 100% of 128 Polistes-positive patients. It was frequently involved in case of positivity to a single Polistes molecule (48% in double- and 80% in mono-sensitized patients). Furthermore, Pol d 1 was positive in 95% of Pold 5-negative subjects. The diagnostic accuracy of Pol d 1 was good (folded type: area under the curve= 87%; 82% sensitivity and 77% specificity at the best cutoff of 5.773), and even better when used combined with the whole extract ratio (area under the curve= 99%; 91% sensitivity and 100% specificity). The study shows that Pol d 1 is the most frequent Polistes allergen in Italian patients. It can distinguish Polistes primary sensitizations with good diagnostic accuracy, which supports its use in clinical practice.

The Venom Compound N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide Attracts Several Polistes (Fuscopolistes) Species (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

Polistes paper wasps in the Fuscopolistes subgenus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) can be serious pests when they swarm at tall man-made structures. Chemical attractants may be useful to trap such paper wasps when they achieve pest status. Polistes venom has been shown to elicit a variety of behavioral responses in congeneric wasps, making it a source for potential chemical attractants. The compound N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide is a principal volatile component in the venom of many female vespid wasps, including numerous Polistes species. We report the presence of N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide in autumn gynes of Polistes metricus Say, Polistes bellicosus Cresson, and Polistes dorsalis (F.), as well as workers of Polistes aurifer (Saussure), P. bellicosus, P. metricus, and P. dorsalis. In field tests conducted in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Washington, N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide attracted male and female P. aurifer and P. metricus, as well as male P. dorsalis and P. bellicosus. Thus, N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide may be a useful lure for trapping these paper wasps in pest situations.

Antigen 5–spiked Vespula and Polistes venom extracts for Vespid allergy diagnostics: A French multicenter study

Vespula and Polistes spp venom extracts (VEs) for ImmunoCAP (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Uppsala, Sweden) platforms have been spiked, that is, enriched, with group 5 allergens since 2012. Limited information was available from the manufacturer, but small cohorts have reported altered performance for in vitro diagnostics.1,2 Herein we present the results of a French multicenter study on antigen 5–spiked Vespula and Polistes VEs compared with nonspiked VEs

The high molecular weight dipeptidyl peptidase IV Pol d 3 is a major allergen of Polistes dominula venom

Hymenoptera venom allergy can cause severe anaphylaxis in untreated patients. Polistes dominula is an important elicitor of venom allergy in Southern Europe as well as in the United States. Due to its increased spreading to more moderate climate zones, Polistes venom allergy is likely to gain importance also in these areas. So far, only few allergens of Polistes dominula venom were identified as basis for component-resolved diagnostics. Therefore, this study aimed to broaden the available panel of important Polistes venom allergens. The 100 kDa allergen Pol d 3 was identified by mass spectrometry and found to be a dipeptidyl peptidase IV. Recombinantly produced Pol d 3 exhibited sIgE-reactivity with approximately 66% of Polistes venom-sensitized patients. Moreover, its clinical relevance was supported by the potent activation of basophils from allergic patients. Cross-reactivity with the dipeptidyl peptidases IV from honeybee and yellow jacket venom suggests the presence of exclusive as well as conserved IgE epitopes. The obtained data suggest a pivotal role of Pol d 3 as sensitizing component of Polistes venom, thus supporting its status as a major allergen of clinical relevance. Therefore, Pol d 3 might become a key element for proper diagnosis of Polistes venom allergy.

Application of recombinant antigen 5 allergens from seven allergy-relevant Hymenoptera species in diagnostics

Hymenoptera stings can cause severe anaphylaxis in untreated venom-allergic patients. A correct diagnosis regarding the relevant species for immunotherapy is often hampered by clinically irrelevant cross-reactivity. In vespid venom allergy, cross-reactivity between venoms of different species can be a diagnostic challenge. To address immunological IgE cross-reactivity on molecular level, seven recombinant antigens 5 of the most important Vespoidea groups were assessed by different diagnostic setups. The antigens 5 of yellow jackets, hornets, European and American paper wasps, fire ants, white-faced hornets, and Polybia wasps were recombinantly produced in insect cells, immunologically and structurally characterized, and their sIgE reactivity assessed by ImmunoCAP, ELISA, cross-inhibition, and basophil activation test (BAT) in patients with yellow jacket or Polistes venom allergy of two European geographical areas. All recombinant allergens were correctly folded and structural models and patient reactivity profiles suggested the presence of conserved and unique B-cell epitopes. All antigens 5 showed extensive cross-reactivity in sIgE analyses, inhibition assays, and BAT. This cross-reactivity was more pronounced in ImmunoCAP measurements with venom extracts than in sIgE analyses with recombinant antigens 5. Dose-response curves with the allergens in BAT allowed a differentiated individual dissection of relevant sensitization. Due to extensive cross-reactivity in various diagnostic settings, antigens 5 are inappropriate markers for differential sIgE diagnostics in vespid venom allergy. However, the newly available antigens 5 from further vespid species and the combination of recombinant allergen-based sIgE measurements with BAT represents a practicable way to diagnose clinically relevant sensitization in vespid venom allergy.

Polistes species venom is devoid of carbohydrate-based cross-reactivity and allows interference-free diagnostics

Allergy to venom of paper wasps (Polistinae) is common in North America as well as in Europe, especially in Mediterranean areas. The most important Polistes species in Europe are P dominula and P gallicus, whereas in Northern America other species such as P annularis, P apachus, P exclamans, P fuscatus, and P metricus are dominant. In the last few decades, P dominula has increasingly spread across the North American continent and the central and northern parts of Europe. This phenomenon has been suggested to be associated with environmental changes, explaining the increasing importance of Polistes venom allergy as a cause for anaphylactic Hymenoptera sting reactions.

Treatment with American Polistes venom was ineffective in an Italian patient allergic to European Polistes

Treatment with American Polistes venom was ineffective in an Italian patient allergic to European Polistes

EuropeanPolistesvenom allergy

The American Polistes species venom mixture--that of P. annularis, P. fuscatus, P. metricus and P. exclamans--was the only commercially available mixture for diagnosis and therapy until 1996. However, these species of Polistes are not present in Europe, where P. dominulus and P. gallicus and to a lesser extent P. nimphus are widespread. The aim of this study was to assess the allergenic differences among the commercial American mix, P. dominulus and P. gallicus venom in European patients and therefore to verify if this mixture is suitable for diagnosis in these patients. We carried out skin tests, radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) and RAST inhibition in Italian patients with adverse reactions to Polistes stings. RAST inhibition results demonstrated that cross-reactivity between the American and European species is only partial and that P. dominulus and P. gallicus venoms have exclusive allergens. Skin tests and direct RAST confirmed these results and also showed that European Polistes venom is more suitable than the American mix in Italian patients. Moreover, we found a high rate of cross-reactivity between P. dominulus and P. gallicus. To conclude, P. dominulus and/or P. gallicus venoms are necessary for diagnosis and therefore in the therapy of European patients.

Comparison of North American and European Polistes Venom Allergens

Comparison of North American and European Polistes Venom Allergens

Characterization of the major allergens purified from the venom of the paper wasp Polistes gallicus.

Allergic reactions to vespid stings are one of the major causes of IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. Vespa and Vespula venoms are closely related; Polistes venom is more distantly related and its allergens are less well studied. There is limited cross-reactivity between Polistes and the other vespid venoms because of differences in the epitopes on the allergen molecules. In this study, the major allergens of Polistes gallicus are isolated and characterized. P. gallicus venom contains four major allergens: phospholipase, antigen 5 (Ag5), hyaluronidase and protease that were characterized by mass spectrometry and specific binding to IgE. The complete amino acid sequence of Ag5 and the sequence of the N-terminal region of phospholipase were also determined. The alignment of Ag5 from P. gallicus (European species) and Polistes annularis (American species) shows an 85% identity that increases to 98% within the same subgenus. This could suggest the presence of specific epitopes on Ag5 molecule being the variations on the superficial loops. The features of the P. gallicus allergens could explain the partial cross-reactivity found between the American and European Polistes venoms, and suggest that the use of European Polistes venoms would improve the diagnostic specificity and the therapy of European patients and of North American patients sensitized by European Polistes.

Epidemiology of insect venom sensitivity in children and its correlation to clinical and atopic features.

The aim of this study was to obtain more accurate figures of the prevalence of cutaneous sensitivity to Hymenoptera venoms (HV) and its correlation with other parameters of atopy in a population of primary schoolchildren. Parents filled out a structured questionnaire and children were tested with a panel of inhalant and food allergens as well as standardized freeze-dried extracts of HV. Among the 1175 children who completed the study there was a personal history of rhinoconjunctivitis in 242 (20.8%) and a current wheezing in 114 (9.78%). Two-hundred twenty-eight (19.40%) children had a history of Hymenoptera sting (HS) reactions (224 or 19.06% of local reactions and 4 or 0.34% of local and systemic reactions). Positive skin-prick tests (SPT) to any given HV extract were present in 43 children (3.66%). Most subjects had positive SPT to honey bee venom (35/1175; 2.98%); 17/1175 (1.45%) had positive SPT to wasp and only 12 subjects (1.02%) had positive SPT to polistes venom. There was a correlation between a positive SPT to HV and the history of clinical reactions to HS (P=0.0026). Positive SPT to at least one of the inhalant and food allergens tested were found in 353 subjects (30.04%). Factors such as age, sex, reactions to HV, positive SPT to mite, cat dander, grass, Alternaria, Parietaria, cow's milk, egg white and wheat were significantly associated with a positive SPT to HV using a univariate regression analysis. Only age, reactions to HV, a positive SPT to grass, Parietaria, cow's milk, and egg white were significantly associated with a positive SPT to HV using a multiple regression analysis. In this study, the frequency of immunological sensitization to HV in a population of unselected children is not so high as in adults. There is an association between the presence of positive SPT to HV and an atopy linked humoral IgE response. The presence of a significant and independent association between positive SPT to food of animal origin and positive SPT to HV is surprising and needs further study.

Prevalence and risk factors of latex sensitization in an unselected pediatric population

Background: The prevalence of latex sensitization has been investigated in population groups considered at high risk, but it has not been systematically surveyed among the general population. Objective: We sought to determine the prevalence of and the risk factors associated with latex sensitization in a general pediatric population. Methods: We investigated 1175 children (mean age ± SD, 105 ± 17.5 months) in 11 elementary schools in Tuscany (Italy). All parents answered a questionnaire, and children underwent skin prick tests (SPTs) with latex, six aeroallergens ( Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , D. farinae , cat, grass pollen, Alternaria tenuis , and Parietaria judaica ), three food allergens (milk, egg white, and wheat), and three insect venoms (honeybee, wasp, and Polistes ). Results: Eight subjects (0.7%; mean age ± SD, 123 ± 9.28 months) had positive SPT responses to latex. No children showed allergic reactions to latex. One or more positive SPT responses to aeroallergens were present in 340 children (28.9%); one or more positive SPT responses to food allergens were present in 26 (2.2%); one or more positive SPT responses to aeroallergens, food allergens, or both were present in 353 (30.0%); and one or more positive SPT responses to one or more insect venoms were present in 43 subjects (3.7%). Significant ( p < 0.05) risk factors associated with latex sensitization included: positive SPT responses to aeroallergens, food allergens, or both; a positive response to one or more insect venoms; a positive response to mite, milk, egg white, wheat, honeybee venom, wasp venom, Polistes venom, or a combination thereof; and increased age. Conclusion: This report shows a very low prevalence of latex sensitization with an absence of clinical symptoms to latex. This study demonstrates a significant association between latex sensitization and the presence of one or more positive SPT responses to aeroallergens, food allergens, or both; one or more positive SPT responses to one or more insect venoms; and increased age. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1998;101:621-5.)

Safety of Hymenoptera venom rush immunotherapy.

We studied 97 consecutive patients who had received Hymenoptera venom rush immunotherapy in our department. There were 53 males and 44 females, whose mean age was 46 years (8-74 years). Most study patients had experienced severe anaphylaxis induced by a Hymenoptera sting: the reaction was Müller stage IV in 48 patients. Skin tests were positive for Vespula venom in 85 cases, Polistes venom in 23, and bee venom in 23. Radioallergosorbent test values exceeded 0.70 kIU/l in 60 cases. Immunotherapy was performed with Vespula venom alone in 73 cases, bee venom alone in five cases, and both Vespula and bee venom in 19 cases. A cutaneous reaction was seen at the injection site in most patients. Four patients also had skin manifestations in areas remote from the injection site. Blood pressure elevation was seen in 11 patients, moderate hypotension in two, rhinitis in one, asthenia or headache in seven, visual disorders and vertigo in two, and transient dyspnea in two. Our protocol has proved very safe, epinephrine never being required in the 97 reported cases.

Stinging insect allergy: sensitization to vespids in Madrid and surroundings

The study comprised 28 patients from the centre of Spain (Madrid and surroundings) who had suffered systemic reactions when stung by vespids. Specific IgE antibodies to Vespula spp. and Polistes spp. venoms were measured by RAST. All patients had positive RAST to Vespula venom and half of them also had positive RAST to Polistes venom. A patient can be sensitive to both venoms due to either a clinical sensitization to both venoms, or common antigenic determinants. To differentiate these states we used a RAST inhibition assay. We could inhibit Polistes RAST with either Polistes or Vespula venom to a similar degree. Inhibition of Vespula RAST was possible with Vespula venom, but only to a limited degree with Polistes venom. Direct RAST and RAST inhibition studies indicate that in our geographic region sensitization to Vespula venom is more common than to Polistes venom and Polistes might have cross-reactivity in our patients.

Evolution of sensitivity to Hymenoptera venom in 200 allergic patients followed for up to 3 years

Duration of venom immunotherapy still remains questionable, since some patients outgrow their sensitivity. Two hundred venom-allergic patients (4 to 82 years; mean ± SD, 37.3 ± 14.2 years) who were first observed with systemic reactions (SRs) were investigated yearly for up to 3 years. Among these patients, 72 were allergic to honeybee venom, 83 to yellow jacket venom, and 45 to both yellow jacket and Polistes venom. At each visit patients had skin tests and RAST to venom. All patients had the same semirush protocol and a monthly maintenance dose of 200 μg. After 1 year of treatment, 19% of bee venom-allergic subjects and 35% of vespid venom-allergic individuals had a negative skin test and RAST to the corresponding venom. The percentage of negativation of tests increased after 3 years to 30.5% in bee venom-allergic patients and to 54% in vespid venom-allergic individuals. This rapid and relatively important negativation of skin tests and RAST may be due to a monthly maintenance dose of 200 μg; 76 patients experienced a field sting without any SR, two patients had a severe SR, and three patients had a mild SR. Although we tried to define parameters that might predict the abolition of venom sensitivity before starting immunotherapy, we could not find any parameter except venom species. Children and adults behave similarly in terms of evolution of venom sensitization. Mean serum venom-specific IgG levels were significantly lower in patients who had lost their sensitivity.

Comparison of the allergenicity and antigenicity of Polistes venom and other vespid venoms

The crossantigenicity of Polistes venom with other vespid venoms was examined with rabbit and human antisera. Venom preparations from various Polistes species were obtained by electrical stimulation of individual insects and venom sac dissection. Rabbit antibodies were raised to the venom ( P. apachus) and venom sac extract ( P. exclamans). Human antisera were obtained from patients allergic to Polistes and other vespid venoms. The venom appeared to be more potent than the venom sac preparations in reactions with rabbit IgG and human IgE antibodies. Among the Polistes species, P. exclamans, P. instablis, and P. apachus venoms showed several lines of precipitation with rabbit antisera, and P. annularis and P. fuscatus venoms only one line, suggesting quantitative or qualitative antigenic differences. In RAST analysis, most sera reacted equally to all Polistes species but occasional exceptions were noted, again suggesting differences in venom allergens. P. exclamans-coupled discs gave the most consistent results. In gel diffusion experiments, there was no crossreactivity between Polistes and yellow jacket venoms and only limited crossreactivity between Polistes and hornet venoms. Patients sensitive to Polistes venom showed varying degrees of reactivity to yellow jacket and hornet venoms in RAST analysis. Patients sensitive to other vespid venoms also showed varying degrees of sensitivity to Polistes venom. Polistes venom appears to contain a genus-unique antigen (allergen). In addition, there appear to be some crossreacting antigens in Polistes and other vespid venoms but to a much lesser degree than found previously in the analysis of the relationship of yellow jacket and hornet venoms.

Polistes wasp hypersensitivity: Diagnosis by venom-induced release of histamine in vitro

Polistes wasps cause a majority of Hymenoptera-induced anaphylactic reactions in Texas. Using the in vitro release of histamine from basophils of patients allergic to Polistes stings, we have studied the cross-reactivity of venoms from three species of Polistes wasps as well as the cross-reactivity among Polistes, honeybee, and Vespula maculifrons (yellow jacket) venoms. Venom collected by an extrusion technique from Pollistes exclamans, Pollistes apachus, and Pollistes Carolina caused release of histamine in seven Polistes-sensitive individuals. The dose-response curves from all three Polistes species were quite similar, suggesting extensive cross-reactivity among these species. None of these patients showed significant release of histamine from leukocytes exposed to yellow jacket or honeybee venom. We conclude that a source of Polistes venom is available for further study and possibly for therapy. It appears that any of three local common species of Polistes wasps could be used. Our studies confirmed earlier reports that Hymenoptera sensitivity is often genus-specific.

Use of Polistes Venom in Petrolatum: Arlacel Repositories to Immunize against Yellow Jacket Wasp-Sting Allergy

Summary and Conclusions Twenty-four persons with extreme allergy toward yellow jacket wasp stings were immunized safely with single, yearly, subcutaneous repositories of emulsified heterologous venom from the polistes wasp, there being no significant adverse developments on treatment day and no longterm sequelae such as abscess, cyst or neoplasm in the next 3 to 4 years. By contrast, control groups with identical allergy exhibited two adverse responses among 111 single-visit courses of fluid venom prepared from the homologous wasp or from polistes wasps. Effectiveness of therapy was judged by the clinical response to later stingings, of which 60 took place by plan in the hospital and four in the field by accident. Aside from trivial focal developments in 12 instances, only two significant adverse episodes were engendered, one in a repository-treated man and one after an immunization with homologous fluid venom. Subsequent repetition of the challenge found both men fully tolerant, one having taken a booster of fluid polistes venom in the meantime while the second merely rested. It was deduced that factors other than specificity differences in the two immunizing venoms probably had been responsible for the clinical failure after repository. The 64 challenges involved one to four insects and post-treatment periods that ranged from 9 days to 21 weeks for courses of fluid venom, and from 15 to 27 weeks for depot therapy. All but a few of the sting tested subjects have been transferred to intermittent sting-therapy to maintain their demonstrated immunity and are now receiving 2-min stingings from 3 to 4 wasps—polistes in cold months, yellow jacket wasps in summer—at intervals approaching a year. Threshold tests of skin and eye may afford a clue, before immunization, to the patient's tolerance for injected venom. After therapy, there is a small but statistically significant elevation in requirement, due to induced blocking antibody. As to the indication for specific prophylaxis in sting allergy, probably only those victims whose next encounter threatens disaster merit immunization, in view of the implied long-term risk of using foreign proteins parenterally. Obviously, only the simplest preparations and the smallest effective amounts are justified in any case, viz., venom as opposed to whole body extracts, and a single annual treatment as opposed to weekly and monthly injections over protracted periods.