Λεξικό .. Antigen-5

Antigen-5

A basic protein present in the venoms of Vespula, Dolichovespula, Polistes and Vespa which is important quantitatively as phospholipase. The alignment of Ag5 from Polistes . gallicus (European species) and Polistes annularis (American species) shows an 85% identity that increases to 98% within the same subgenus.

This could suggest the presence of specific epitopes on Ag5 molecule being the variations on the superficial loops. The features of the P. gallicus allergens could explain the partial cross-reactivity found between the American and European Polistes venoms, and suggest that the use of European Polistes venoms would improve the diagnostic specificity and the therapy of European patients and of North American patients sensitized by European Polistes.

References

Pantera B, Hoffman DR, Carresi L, Cappugi G, Turillazzi S, Manao G, Severino M, Spadolini I, Orsomando G, Moneti G, Pazzagli L. Characterization of the major allergens purified from the venom of the paper wasp Polistes gallicus. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2003 Oct 13;1623(2-3):72-81.