Evaluation of different glycoforms of honeybee venom major allergen phospholipase A2 (Api m 1) produced in insect cells

Protein Pept Lett. 2011 Apr;18(4):415-22. doi: 10.2174/092986611794653923.

Abstract

Allergic reactions to hymenoptera stings are one of the major reasons for IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. However, proper diagnosis using venom extracts is severely affected by molecular cross-reactivity. In this study recombinant honeybee venom major allergen phospholipase A2 (Api m 1) was produced for the first time in insect cells. Using baculovirus infection of different insect cell lines allergen versions providing a varying degree of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants as well as a non glycosylated variant could be obtained as secreted soluble proteins in high yields. The resulting molecules were analyzed for their glycosylation and proved to show advantageous properties regarding cross-reactivity in sIgE-based assays. Additionally, in contrast to the enzymatically active native protein the inactivated allergen did not induce IgE-independent effector cell activation. Thus, insect cell-derived recombinant Api m 1 with defined CCD phenotypes might provide further insights into hymenoptera venom IgE reactivities and contribute to an improved diagnosis of hymenoptera venom allergy.

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / chemistry*
  • Allergens / genetics
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Plant / chemistry*
  • Antigens, Plant / genetics
  • Antigens, Plant / immunology
  • Bee Venoms / enzymology*
  • Bees / enzymology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cross Reactions / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Insect Bites and Stings / diagnosis
  • Insect Proteins / chemistry*
  • Insect Proteins / genetics
  • Insect Proteins / immunology
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Phospholipases A / chemistry*
  • Phospholipases A / genetics
  • Phospholipases A / immunology
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry*
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Bee Venoms
  • Insect Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Phospholipases A
  • Api m 1 allergen, Apis mellifera