Work

Nanobody-based IgG simultaneously inhibit the allergenic and enzymatic activity of the dominant honeybee venom allergen

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Insect venoms can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in sensitized individuals. In this study, we aim at preventing anaphylaxis mediated by the most abundant and dominant honeybee venom allergen phospholipase A2 (Api m 1) by blocking its interaction with allergic patient IgE. Therefore, we characterize selected Api m 1-specific nanobodies and identify two high-affinity binders with non-overlapping epitopes. Crystal structures of Api m 1/nanobody complexes reveal diametrically opposed epitopes, one of which involves the active site of Api m 1. Based on this background, we develop mono- and bispecific nanobody-human IgG1 Fc, which exhibits pronounced blocking of IgE binding and effector cell activation in blood samples from honeybee venom allergic patients and reduces systemic reactions in a mouse model of allergen-induced anaphylaxis. This work provides a rationale for using nanobody-based inhibitors to prevent Api m 1-mediated anaphylaxis in honeybee venom allergy. Insect venom can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Here, the authors report structural and functional evidence that nanobody-based inhibitors can limit the allergenic and toxic activity of the major honeybee venom allergen and that passive administration prevents anaphylaxis in vivo.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-69572-0