Antigen 5 Allergens of Hymenoptera Venoms and Their Role in Diagnosis and Therapy of Venom Allergy

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2020 Jul 9;20(10):58. doi: 10.1007/s11882-020-00954-0.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Stings of Hymenoptera of the superfamily Vespoidea such as yellow jackets, paper wasps or stinging ants are common triggers for severe and even fatal allergic reactions. Antigen 5 allergens are potent allergens in the majority of these venoms with major importance for diagnosis and therapy. Reviewed here are the characteristics of antigen 5 allergens, their role in component-resolved diagnostics as well as current limitations of the available diagnostics for proper therapeutic decisions.

Recent findings: Antigens 5 are proteins of unknown function in Hymenoptera venoms with high allergenic potency. They represent key elements in component-resolved diagnosis to discriminate between honeybee and vespid venom allergy. However, due to their pronounced cross-reactivity, there are remaining diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that have to be addressed. Antigens 5 are highly relevant venom allergens of the Vespoidea superfamily. Although their use in component-resolved diagnosis facilitates dissection of cross-reactivity and primary allergy in double sensitization to honeybee and vespid venom, new diagnostic concepts are needed to discriminate between allergies to different vespid species.

Keywords: Allergen cross-reactivity; Antigen 5; Component-resolved diagnostics; Hymenoptera venom allergy; Polistes dominula venom; Yellow jacket venom.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthropod Venoms / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / therapy*
  • Wasp Venoms / blood*

Substances

  • Arthropod Venoms
  • Wasp Venoms
  • white-faced hornet venom antigen 5