Immunological Aspects of the Immune Response Induced by Mosquito Allergens

Abstract

Allergies caused by mosquito bites may produce local or systemic reactions. The inhalation of mosquito allergens may also cause asthma and/or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in sensitized individuals. The mechanisms implicated in the development of these immune responses involve IgE antibodies, different subtypes of IgG and proinflammatory cytokines as well as basophils, eosinophils and mast cells. Several allergenic components have been identified in the saliva and bodies of mosquitoes and some of these are present in different mosquito species. The most common species implicated in allergic reactions belong to the genera Aedes, Culex and Anopheles. Several Aedes aegypti allergens have been cloned and sequenced. The recombinant molecules show IgE reactivity similar to that of the native allergens, making them good candidates for the diagnosis of mosquito allergies. Allergen-specific immunotherapy with mosquito extracts induces a protective response characterized by a decreased production of IgE antibodies, increased IgG levels, a reduction in the severity of cutaneous and respiratory symptoms and the need for medication. The aims of this review are to summarize the progress made in the characterization of mosquito allergens and discuss the types of immune responses induced by mosquito bites and the inhalation of mosquito allergens in atopic individuals.

Allergens involved in the cross-reactivity of Aedes aegypti with other arthropods

“…1 Sensitization to mosquito bites is common in the United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, and Finland, 2e4 sometimes causing severe systemic reactions, such as generalized urticaria, angioedema, wheezing, and even anaphylaxis. 1,5,6 Several allergens from the genera Aedes, Culex, and…”

Identification and Characterization of IgE-Binding Tropomyosins in <b><i>Aedes aegypti</i></b>

“…Mosquitoes are insects that are distributed worldwide, and they cause IgE-mediated allergic responses in sensitized individuals [1]. Manifestations of mosquito allergy are variable and depend on the route of exposure.…”

“…Manifestations of mosquito allergy are variable and depend on the route of exposure. When the contact with the allergens occurs via skin bites (saliva allergens), the symptoms consist of mild or severe local or systemic reactions [1,2,3,4]. However, evidence suggests that the inhalation of mosquito emanations and detritus deposited in house dust may induce allergic respiratory symptoms such as allergic asthma and rhinitis [5].…”

Cellular and Humoral Responses to Cte f 2, a Cat Flea Allergen, in Children with Papular Urticaria

“…This supports the shift to recombinant salivary components for the study of cat flea hypersensitivity. In any case, proteomic characterization of cat flea extract yielded interesting information for other respiratory allergic diseases that could by induced by insect inhalation [30-33]. The C. felis extract was found to be rich in muscle-skeletal proteins such as tropomyosin, ankirins, and troponins, which are usually highly conserved in invertebrates and have been reported as allergenic in several sources of epidemiological importance such as house dust mites, cockroaches, and mosquitoes.…”