Characterisation of Jack Jumper Ant Venom: Definition of the Allergic Components and Pharmaceutical Development of Myrmecia Pilosula (Jack Jumper) Ant Venom for Immunotherapy

Ant sting allergy in Australia is predominantly due to the Myrmecia pilosula species complex (Jack Jumper Ant, JJA) and venom immunotherapy has been shown to be effective in preventing anaphylaxis to the sting of this ant. This work describes the development of a number of analytical techniques to separate and characterise JJA venom components. These techniques were then used to determine the allergenicity of previously described venom peptides in their native forms, identify additional allergens and to update nomenclature used to describe the allergens. They were subsequently applied to the standardisation of venom prior to new batches being used for the diagnosis and treatment of JJA sting allergy. Myr p 2 was found to be the only major allergen in JJA venom, whilst Myr p 1 and Myr p 3 were minor allergens. There were an additional five IgE-binding proteins that require further characterisation before they can be named as allergens. A standardisation procedure was validated that is able to control the quality of venom so that it complies with the requirements described in the European Pharmacopoeia.