vespula vulgaris venom protein

Vespula vulgaris venom protein is a standardized allergenic extract derived from the venom of the common wasp (*Vespula vulgaris*), a species of yellow jacket. It is primarily utilized as a diagnostic tool in skin testing to identify patients with Hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity and as an active ingredient in venom immunotherapy (VIT) to induce immunological tolerance. The venom contains several potent allergenic proteins, most notably phospholipase A1 (Ves v 1), hyaluronidase (Ves v 2), and antigen 5 (Ves v 5). In diagnostic applications, the extract cross-links IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells and basophils, triggering a wheal-and-flare reaction. In therapeutic settings, repeated administration of increasing doses of the venom protein induces a shift from a Th2-mediated IgE response toward a Th1-mediated response and the production of venom-specific IgG4 blocking antibodies, which prevent systemic anaphylactic reactions upon future stings.

Brand names

PharmalgenVenomil

Other names

common wasp venom proteinyellow jacket venom proteinVespula vulgaris venom extractVes v 1Ves v 2Ves v 5