Alergologia Polska - Polish Journal of Allergology
eISSN: 2391-6052
ISSN: 2353-3854
Alergologia Polska - Polish Journal of Allergology
Current issue Archive Manuscripts accepted About the journal Supplements Special issues Editorial board Abstracting and indexing Subscription Contact Instructions for authors Publication charge Ethical standards and procedures
Editorial System
Submit your Manuscript
Search
Editorial Policies
Sarajevo Declaration on Integrity and Visibility of Scholarly Publications

Open access

without publication fees
3/2025
vol. 12
 
Share:
Send email
Share:
abstract:
Original paper

Association of plasma sphingolipids with regulatory T cells in Hymenoptera venom allergy

Aleksandra Starosz
1
,
Adrian Godlewski
2
,
Marcin Czaban
3
,
Maciej Klimek
3
,
Agnieszka Lis
3
,
Maria Tomasiak-Łozowska
3
,
Michał Ciborowski
2
,
Kamil Grubczak
1

  1. Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
  2. Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
  3. Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
Alergologia Polska – Polish Journal of Allergology 2025; 12, 3: 182–190
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/pja.2025.153708
Online publish date: 2025/08/20
View full text Get citation
 
PlumX metrics:
Introduction
Hymenoptera venom allergy is a type I hypersensitivity reaction mediated by allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Symptoms range from local reactions to life-threatening anaphylaxis. While venom allergens like phospholipase A and hyaluronidase are well studied, their broader effects on metabolic and immune pathways remain poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that sphingolipids might play critical roles in immune regulation.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between plasma sphingolipids and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in Hymenoptera venom-allergic patients.

Material and methods:
Plasma samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from patients allergic to bee or wasp venom. Sphingolipid levels were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Tregs frequency was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results:
We observed elevated levels of sphingomyelins (SM) (SM C16:0 and SM C24:1) in allergic patients compared to controls, potentially reflecting heightened immune activity. Allergic patients also exhibited increased Treg frequencies. Stratification based on Treg levels revealed negative correlations between Tregs and selected sphingomyelins in high-Treg patients, suggesting a link between sphingolipid metabolism and Treg dynamics. Significant correlations were also observed between sphingolipids (SM C16:0, SM C26:1) and IgE, highlighting their involvement in IgE-mediated allergic mechanisms.

Conclusions:
These preliminary findings reveal distinct immunometabolic profiles in Hymenoptera venom allergy, suggesting sphingolipids influence on immune regulation. Understanding the mutual associations between sphingolipids, Tregs, and IgE could lead to novel diagnostic and treatment approaches. Further studies are required to explore these pathways and validate the potential of sphingolipids as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

keywords:

Hymenoptera venom, allergy, metabolites, sphingolipids, regulatory T cells


Termedia
About us Contact
Copyright notice Privacy policy Advertising policy Contact us
Quick links
Journals Books eBooks Events
© 2025 Termedia Sp. z o.o.
Developed by Bentus.