The immune response to bee venom. Comparison of the antibody response to phospholipase A2 with the response to inhalant antigens.

The antibody response to phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was studied by using radiolabelled antigen-binding techniques for both IgG and IgE antibodies. The results are compared with results for antigen P1 from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and for rye I from rye grass pollen. The response to PLA2 differs from the response to the inhalant allergens in several ways: almost all exposed bee keepers produce IgG antibodies to PLA2; among the allergic bee keepers there was no quantitative correlation between IgG and IgE antibodies; and the antibodies to PLA2 are not produced locally in the nose. Bee keepers with hay fever did not appear to have an increased incidence of allergic reactions to bee venom. In addition, the bee keepers with hay fever and the same levels of IgG and IgE antibodies to rye I as other individuals with hay fever. However, the bee keepers who had no history of hay fever were found to have high levels of IgG antibodies to rye I. These antibodies did not cross-react with PLA2 or bee venom, and the results suggest that bee stings may act as an adjuvant for IgG antibodies to pollen antigens.