Understanding why some beekeepers tolerate bee stings without allergic reactions
Official title: Elucidation of the Mechanism of Immune Tolerance in Beekeepers
Run by University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust · NCT06156046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at why some beekeepers can handle bee stings without having allergic reactions while others can't, by testing their immune responses and comparing them to non-allergic individuals.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Plymouth, Devon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 22, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06156046 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include beekeepers with a history of multiple stings and no previous anaphylactic reactions, as well as those diagnosed with anaphylaxis to bee venom.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not involved in beekeeping or have a history of severe allergic reactions to bee stings may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the immune responses of beekeepers who experience multiple bee stings each year. It aims to understand why some sensitized beekeepers develop severe allergic reactions while others remain tolerant. By analyzing blood factors and T regulatory cell populations, the study compares sensitized tolerant beekeepers with those who experience anaphylaxis and includes a control group of non-sensitized individuals. The methodology involves skin prick tests and blood tests to assess immune tolerance mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of bee sting allergies, potentially improving safety for beekeepers.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on immune tolerance in allergic individuals exist, this specific investigation into beekeepers' tolerance mechanisms is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- Group 1 inclusion criteria. * Individuals naive to beekeeping (\<2 previous bee stings, none in the last 24 months) * no history of anaphylaxis to stings. Group 2 inclusion criteria. * Beekeepers with \> approximately 10 stings/year who have been beekeeping for \>3 years. * No history of anaphylaxis to bee venom. Group 3 inclusion criteria * Beekeepers with diagnosis of anaphylaxis to bee venom in the last 12 months who are sensitised to bee venom (as evidenced by positive specific IgE and positive skin test to bee venom) Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to understand protocol/consent. * Unable to commit to follow up visits. * Participants with a known history of mastocytosis or under investigation for suspected mastocytosis. * Participants undergoing desensitisation treatment to bee venom before the first visit. * Participants being treatment with immunosuppressive medications. being treatment with immunosuppressive medications.
Where it's running
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Derriford Hospital - University Hospitals Plymouth
Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Claire Bethune — University Hospitals Plymouth
- Study coordinator: Jane Evely
- Email: j.evely@nhs.net
- Phone: 441752431816
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.