Irritimin

Irritimin is a small, heat-stable protein found in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the yellow jacket (Vespula spp.). It is one of the most potent and well-studied venom components, known for its ability to cause severe allergic reactions in humans. Irritimin is a member of the defensin family of proteins, which are part of the innate immune system and are involved in the defense against microbial infections.

The primary function of irritimin in the venom is to induce anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Upon injection, irritimin binds to specific receptors on the surface of immune cells, triggering a cascade of events that lead to the release of histamine and other mediators. This results in the characteristic symptoms of anaphylaxis, including hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.

Irritimin has also been studied for its potential therapeutic applications. Research has shown that it can modulate the immune response and has anti-inflammatory properties. However, its use in medicine is still in the experimental stage, and its safety and efficacy have not been fully established.

Irritimin is a highly conserved protein, with high sequence similarity across different species of bees and wasps. This conservation suggests that it plays a crucial role in the venom's biological activity and has been a subject of interest for scientists studying venom biology and immunology.