polistes metricus venom protein

Polistes metricus venom protein is an allergenic extract derived from the venom of the North American paper wasp, *Polistes metricus*. It is primarily utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of Hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity. For diagnostic purposes, it is used in skin prick or intradermal testing to identify IgE-mediated sensitization. Therapeutically, it is administered as venom immunotherapy (VIT), a process involving the subcutaneous injection of increasing doses of the venom to induce immunological tolerance. The mechanism of action involves modulating the immune system's response to allergens, specifically by promoting the production of allergen-specific IgG4 "blocking" antibodies, inducing T-lymphocyte anergy or regulatory T-cell (Treg) activity, and shifting the cytokine profile from a Th2 to a Th1 dominance. This reduces the risk of systemic anaphylactic reactions upon subsequent stings. The extract typically contains major allergens such as Phospholipase A1 (Pol m 1), Hyaluronidase (Pol m 2), and Antigen 5 (Pol m 5).

Brand names

VenomilPharmalgenAquagen

Other names

Paper Wasp Venom ProteinPolistes metricus extractWasp Venom Protein (Polistes sp.)