Immunochemical observations of antigen 5, a major venom allergen of hornets, yellowjackets and wasps.

Antigen 5 is a venom protein of hornets, yellowjackets and wasps, and it is an important allergen for insect-sensitive patients. Antigen 5s from these insects are found to have similar amino-terminal sequences for their first 20 residues, and to have similar cyanogen bromide cleavage patterns. A partial sequence homology of antigen 5s and scorpion neurotoxins is observed. Antigen 5s from these insects show varying extents of cross reactivity when tested with mouse polyclonal antibodies by enzyme immunoassay and they show limited or no cross reactivity with mouse monoclonal antibodies. Chemically modified antigen 5s shown greatly decreased binding of antigen 5-specific mouse polyclonal antibodies. The modified antigen 5s include its reduced and carboxymethylated