Tolerant beekeepers display venom-specific functional IgG4 antibodies in the absence of specific IgE
Beekeepers are exposed to multiple stings in season although they are immune to the effects apart from local swellings at the site of the sting. This is in contrast to venom-allergic individuals who are in general stung only occasionally yet remain at risk of IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. To assess the mechanism of tolerance in beekeepers, we measured their serum allergen-specific IgE and IgG4 levels. We measured the ability of their serum to form bee venom IgE-allergen complexes (the IgE-facilitated-allergen binding [FAB] assay).
The immune system is a magical thing.