Assessing the Allergenic Relevance of Vespula alascensis Venom: Implications for Venom Immunotherapy

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is an effective treatment for yellow jacket venom (YJV) allergy. It is often based on mixtures of venom from different species. Recent taxonomic re-evaluation has revealed that widely used VIT preparations contain venom from Vespula alascensis, a North American species, rather than venom from the Palearctic Vespula vulgaris. Objective: To assess the allergenic relevance of V alascensis venom for European patients and evaluate its suitability for inclusion in VIT preparations.

The ability of V alascensis and V vulgaris venom to activate effector cells from YJV-allergic patients from Germany was compared using the basophil activation test. Patients' sIgE reactivity was assessed using ELISA, inhibition ELISA, CAP inhibition, and Western blot. Proteomic analysis of the venoms was also conducted.

Basophil activation tests showed highly similar activation profiles for V alascensis and V vulgaris venoms. Moreover, ELISA and inhibition analyses revealed comparable overall sIgE reactivity for both venoms. In contrast, Western blot analysis demonstrated similar sIgE profiles for antigen 5 allergens, although phospholipase A1 allergens were differentially detected. Proteomic analysis revealed no differences in the major allergens of the 2 venoms.

This study demonstrates the functional similarity between V alascensis and V vulgaris venoms in allergic responses. Moreover, it highlights the clinical relevance of V alascensis for YJV-sensitized European patients and supports its inclusion in YJV VIT preparations in Europe.