Biological and Immunological Activities of Brazilian Wasp Venoms: Implications for Allergy and Ion-Channel Modulation

Background: Brazilian wasp venoms represent a clinically relevant yet underexplored source of bioactive molecules with important implications for allergy, toxicology, and neuropharmacology. This review discusses the biological and immunological activities of venoms from Neotropical wasp species prevalent in Brazil, particularly within the genera Polybia, Synoeca, Polistes, and Agelaia, with emphasis on venom composition, IgE-mediated hypersensitivity, and ion-channel modulation. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using studies focused on venom characterization, electrophysiological effects, immune responses, and clinical manifestations associated with Brazilian and other Hymenoptera species. Results: Brazilian wasp venoms contain a diverse repertoire of peptides, enzymes, and low-molecular-weight compounds that act synergistically on multiple cellular targets. Among these, mastoparan-like peptides exhibit antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and membrane-disruptive activities, contributing to inflammation and cellular dysfunction. In addition, several venom components interact with ion channels and neuronal receptors, modulating neuronal excitability and synaptic signaling, which highlights their potential applications in neuropharmacology. Simultaneously, allergenic proteins can induce IgE sensitization and immediate hypersensitivity reactions ranging from localized manifestations to systemic anaphylaxis. The marked taxonomic and biochemical diversity of Brazilian wasps contributes to substantial variability in venom composition and clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Overall, these venoms constitute a valuable and still insufficiently explored source of biologically active compounds with potential applications in allergy diagnosis, venom immunotherapy, and drug development.