Studies of the antigenicity and allergenicity of phospholipase A2 of bee venom

The antigenic and allergenic properties of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and whole bee venom were compared by measuring the IgG and IgE antibody responses in animals and man. Precipitating antibodies raised in rabbits and reaginic and other antibodies raised in mice reacted about equally with both bee venom and PLA. The majority of human sera containing bee venom-specific IgE also contained PLA-specific IgE, although in somewhat lower titers. Similarly, most human sera with significant amounts of total antibodies reacting with bee venom also had antibodies reacting with PLA. Histamine and SRS-a release from leukocytes of sensitive patients followed challenge with whole bee venom and PLA in the majority of instances. However, mediator release from several patients' cells was obtained with bee venom only. These studies suggest that although PLA is a major allergen and antigen in bee venom, significant exceptions in patients' reactivity may limit its potential diagnostic and therapeutic usefulness.