Structural biology of allergens from stinging and biting insects

Abstract

Purpose of review: Modern techniques in genomic and protein research are applied to the study of stinging and biting insect allergens.

Recent findings: Three-dimensional structures of additional insect venom and salivary allergens have been determined. An approach to determining B-cell epitopes has been used for hyaluronidase. A number of new venom and salivary allergens have been characterized. The structures and significance of several insect allergens have been updated. Investigations continue into distinguishing venom crossreactivity from multiple sensitization. Further studies are clarifying the significance of carbohydrate epitopes. Genomic and proteomic techniques are being used in the investigation of proteins and peptides in insect venom and saliva.

Summary: The nature of venom crossreactivity and the B-cell and T-cell epitope structures of insect venom and salivary allergens are beginning to be elucidated.