Hymenoptera venom allergens (HVA)

Hymenoptera venom allergens are a diverse group of proteins and enzymes found in the venom of stinging insects, including honeybees (Apis mellifera), vespids (Vespula, Vespa, and Dolichovespula), and ants [7.1.1, 7.1.3]. These allergens, such as phospholipase A2 (Api m 1), hyaluronidase (Api m 2), and Antigen 5 (Ves v 5), are the primary molecular triggers for IgE-mediated hypersensitivity in sensitized individuals [7.1.1, 7.1.2]. Upon exposure through a sting, these allergens cross-link IgE antibodies bound to high-affinity FcεRI receptors on mast cells and basophils, triggering the rapid release of inflammatory mediators like histamine and leukotrienes [7.1.3, 7.1.5]. This cascade can lead to symptoms ranging from large local reactions to life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis [7.1.3, 7.1.5]. In clinical practice, these allergens are utilized as the active components in venom immunotherapy (VIT), which is the only disease-modifying treatment for Hymenoptera venom allergy [7.1.4, 7.1.5]. VIT aims to desensitize patients by inducing immune tolerance, characterized by the expansion of regulatory T and B cells and the production of blocking IgG4 antibodies, effectively modulating the human immune system to prevent future severe allergic responses [7.1.4, 7.1.5].

Other names

Bee venom allergensWasp venom allergensVespidae venom allergensApidae venom allergensInsect venom allergensHymenoptera venom proteins

Induction of immune tolerance through allergen-specific immunotherapy (VIT), involving the expansion of regulatory T (Treg) and B (Breg) cells, a shift from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine profile, and the production of allergen-specific blocking antibodies (IgG4 and IgA) that compete with IgE for allergen binding [7.1.4, 7.1.5].