Cross-reactivity between Anisakis spp. and wasp venom allergens

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Anisakiasis, a foodborne illness, results from consuming raw or undercooked fish/cephalopods containing Anisakis spp. larvae.
• Anisakis larvae release excretion/secretion products, including venom allergen-like proteins, which are major allergens.
• Potential cross-reactivity between Anisakis and wasp venom allergens warrants investigation due to shared allergenic components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential cross-reactivity between Anisakis simplex and wasp venom allergens.
• To identify specific IgE responses and allergenic epitopes involved in cross-sensitization.

Main Methods:

• Sera from 50 patients (25 wasp venom-allergic, 25 Anisakis-allergic) were analyzed using ImmunoCAP, dot-blotting with recombinant Anisakis allergens, and ADVIA-Centaur for Hymenoptera allergens.
• IgE immunoblotting inhibition assays were employed to assess cross-reactivity.
• The role of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) was evaluated through inhibition assays using bromelain and periodate treatment.

Main Results:

• 40% of wasp venom-allergic patients showed specific IgE to Anisakis simplex, with 20% recognizing Anisakis recombinant allergens.
• 44% of Anisakis-allergic patients had specific IgE to Vespula spp. venom, with 16% recognizing Hymenoptera allergens.
• Wasp-allergic patients recognized CCDs and peptide epitopes on Anisakis allergens (rAni s 1, rAni s 9), while Anisakis-allergic patients recognized CCDs on wasp venom allergen (nVes v 1). rAni s 9 was the only Anisakis allergen inhibited by Vespula venom.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first evidence of cross-sensitization between wasp venom and Anisakis allergies.
• Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) play a role in both allergies.
• Peptide epitopes are specifically recognized by wasp venom-allergic patients, indicating distinct allergenic interactions.