Basophils expression

The detection of reactions mediated by specific IgE to agents triggering anaphylaxis may be achieved by means of serological methods serum-specific IgE, or by means of cellular tests which determine the release of basophil mediators (leukotrienes and histamine) or by means of the analysis of basophil expression markers, a technique known as the basophil activation test (BAT). 

However, in the mouse species differences in reaginic immunoglobulins and their counter-receptor type and distribution have significantly clouded the extrapolation of studies carried out in the mouse concerning the role of IgE in degranulation of mast cells. In mice and rats, mast cells and basophils express FceRI as the tetrameric complex and also express the following Fc gamma chain... 

In the wheals of CIU, histamine concentrations are increased but the number of mast cells is not increased (85). This observation could be explained by an infiltration of basophils, which could play a role in the release of histamine during late phase reactions and be responsible for the maintenance of wheals in CIU. Basophils are similar to mast cells but do not produce prostaglandin D2 and proteases. Unlike mast cells, basophils mature in the bone marrow and their activation is dependent on the presence of IL-3. Mast cells and basophils express FceRI, the cross-linking of which induces degranulation (74). 

Synthesis. Histamine [51-45-6] 2-(4-imidazolyl)ethylarnine (1) is formed by decarboxylation of histidine by the enzyme L-histidine decarboxylase (Fig. 1). Most histamine is stored preformed in cytoplasmic granules of mast cells and basophils. In humans mast cells are found in the loose connective tissue of all organs, especially around blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves. These cells are most abundant in the organs expressing allergic diseases the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. 

Our understanding of anaphylaxis has advanced substantially since the original description of this phenomenon in the scientific literature over 100 years ago. There is now little reasonable doubt that the IgE-dependent activation of mast cells and basophils is the key event underlying most examples of allergen-induced anaphylaxis in humans [3-5]. IgE binds to the high-affinity IgE receptor, FcsRI, expressed on the... 

This chapter highlights the mechanisms responsible for mast cell activation during anaphylactic responses to environmental substances. In addition to discussing in detail the activation of mast cells and basophils by IgE and antigen, we also will describe how mouse models have been used to analyze the importance of various proteins, cells, mediators and activation mechanisms in the expression of anaphylaxis in that species. 

There may be substantial variation both within and among species (e.g., in mice vs. humans) in the expression of various proteins, receptors and/or ligands that influence the activation of mast cells (or basophils or other potential effector cell types), or that can regulate the responsiveness of end organ target cells (e.g., bronchial or gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells, vascular endothelial cells) to potential mediators of anaphylaxis derived from mast cells. 

Brown SJ, Galli SJ, Gleich GJ, Askenase PW Ablation of immunity to Amblyomma atmricanum by antibasophil serum cooperation between basophils and eosinophils in expression of immunity to ectoparasites (ticks) inguineapigs.J Immunol 1982 129 790-796. 

The principle underlying the BAT is that the attachment of the antigen to the IgE present on the surface of the basophil leads to the activation of the basophil and the release of its mediators (histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, etc.) and the expression on its membrane of molecules such as CD63, CD203c or others which are markers of basophil activation. The basophils are identified with monoclonal antibodies marked with fluorochromes and anti-IgE and anti-CD63 receptors [for a complete review, we suggest readers read references 19-22]. 

Jogie-Brahim S, Min HK, Fukuoka Y, Xia HZ, Schwartz LB Expression of a-tryptase and 3-tryptase by human basophils. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2004 113 1086-1092. 

Foster B, Schwartz LB, Devouassoux G, Metcalfe DD, Prussin C Characterization of mast-cell try-ptase-expressing peripheral blood cells as basophils. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002 109 287-293. Schwartz LB, Bradford TR, Rouse C, Irani AM, Rasp G, Van der Zwan JK, Van del Linden PW Development of a new, more sensitive immunoassay for human tryptase use in systemic anaphylaxis. J Clin Immunol 1994 14 190-204. 

Sanz ML, Gamboa PM, Antepara I, Uasuf C, Vila L, Garda-Aviles C, Chazot M, De Week L Flow cytometric basophil activation test by detection of CD63 expression in patients with immediate-type reactions to (J-lactam antibiotics. Clin Exp Allergy 2002 32 277-286. 

Gamboa PM. Sanz ML. Caballero MR. Antepara I. Urrutia I. Gonzalez G. Dieguez I. De Week AL Use of CD63 expression as a marker of in vitro basophil activation and leukotriene determination in methi- 46 mazole allergic patients. Allergy 2003 58 312-317. 

Eberlein-Konig B. Rakoski J, Behrendt H, Ring J Use of CD63 expression as marker of in vitro basophil activation in identifying the culprit in insect venom allergy. J Investig Allergol Chn Immunol 2004 14 10-16. 

---