Differentiation of human basophils: an overview of recent advances and pending questions

Basophils are rare, circulating leukocytes derived from hematopoietic CD34+ progenitors. The identification of cytokines promoting their development in vitro has led to substantial advances in understanding their differentiation process. An important role could be assigned to interleukin-3 (IL-3), which supports the maturation of hematopoietic progenitors into basophils in vitro and in vivo. In contrast to other myeloid lineages, a specific basophil growth factor has not yet been discovered. Furthermore, it is still unclear whether basophils possess a lineage-restricted progenitor or whether they share a common ancestor with mast cells (MC), eosinophils, or even megakaryocytes. Partial answers to these questions could be provided using in vitro culture systems or taking advantage of hematological disorders, such as chronic and acute myeloid leukemia (CML and AML), some myelodysplastic syndromes, and the very rare acute basophilic leukemia in which basophilic differentiation occurs.