Characterization of the honeybee venom proteins C1q-like protein and PVF1 and their allergenic potential.

Abstract

Honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom (HBV) represents an ideal model to study the role of particular venom components in allergic reactions in sensitized individuals as well as in the eusociality of Hymenoptera species. The aim of this study was to further characterize the HBV components C1q-like protein (C1q) and PDGF/VEGF-like factor 1 (PVF1). C1q and PVF1 were produced as recombinant proteins in insect cells. Their allergenic properties were examined by determining the level of specific IgE antibodies in the sera of HBV-allergic patients (n = 26) as well as by their capacity to activate patients' basophils (n = 11). Moreover, the transcript heterogeneity of PVF1 was analyzed. It could be demonstrated that at least three PVF1 variants are present in the venom gland, which all result from alternative splicing of one transcript. Additionally, recombinant C1q and PVF1 from Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells exhibited specific IgE reactivity with approximately 38.5% of sera of HBV-allergic patients. Interestingly, both proteins were unable to activate basophils of the patients, questioning their role in the context of clinically relevant sensitization. Recombinant C1q and PVF1 can build the basis for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Hymenoptera venoms. Moreover, the conflicting results between IgE sensitization and lack of basophil activation, might in the future contribute to the identification of factors that determine the allergenic potential of proteins.

• Authors: Dennis Russkamp, Matthias Van Vaerenbergh, Stefanie Etzold, Bernadette Eberlein, Ulf Darsow, Maximilian Schiener, Lina De Smet, Magdalena Absmaier, Tilo Biedermann, Edzard Spillner, Markus Ollert, Thilo Jakob, Carsten B Schmidt-Weber, Dirk C de Graaf, Simon Blank
• Journal: Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology (Toxicon) Vol. 150 Pg. 198-206 (Aug 2018) ISSN: 1879-3150 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 29842867 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Bee Venoms
• Insect Proteins

Topics

• Allergens (chemistry, toxicity)
• Animals
• Baculoviridae
• Bee Venoms (chemistry)
• Bees (physiology)
• Cloning, Molecular
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity
• Insect Bites and Stings
• Insect Proteins (chemistry, toxicity)
• Sf9 Cells