title: Allergens of hymenopteran venoms.
abstract: Venoms of the Hymenoptera are mixtures of several antigens with nonimmunogenic small peptides and vasoactive amines. Limited local toxicity occurs with stings; systemic reactions to venoms are mediated by IgE antibodies and can be prevented by immunization with the appropriate venom. Skin testing with venoms detects the sensitized state, and a positive test predicts a 50 to 60% risk of an allergic response to a future sting. Because considerable crossreactivity exists between vespid venom allergens, choice of correct venom(s) for immunotherapy will not always be indicated by skin-testing with whole, unfractionated venom. Further efforts at skin testing with individual venom antigens may help to resolve problems regarding choice of venoms for immunotherapy.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000941:Antigens; D001514:Bee Venoms / Q000276:immunology*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D008958:Models, Molecular; D014862:Wasp Venoms / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D001514:Bee Venoms; D014862:Wasp Venoms