Differential expression of cell surface integrins on human mast cells and human basophils

Integrins are multifunctional recognition molecules and are expressed on various hematopoietic cells. In the present study expression of integrins on the cell surface of human mast cells and human basophils was investigated by using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and indirect immunofluorescence. Human mast cells were obtained from lung (n = 5), uterus (n = 5) and skin (n = 4). Human blood basophils were obtained from normal donors (n = 2). In addition, HMC-1 cells (human mast cell line) and KU-812 cells (a basophil cell line) were analyzed. Primary mast cells were found to react with mAbs directed against the common beta chain of beta 1 integrins (CD 29), the alpha chain of VLA-4 (CD 49 d) and VLA-5 (CD 49 e), the beta chain of beta 3 integrins (CD 61), and the alpha chain of the vitronectin receptor (VNR) (CD 51). Mast cells were not recognized by mAbs to beta 2 integrins (CD 18, CD 11 a, CD 11 b, CD 11 c), the alpha chain of VLA-2 (CD 49 b), and VLA-6 (CD 49 f). No differences in expression of integrins on human mast cells obtained from different organs were found. HMC-1 cells and primary mast cells expressed an almost identical pattern of integrins. Human basophils and KU-812 cells were found to react with mAbs directed against beta 1-integrins (CD 29, CD 49 b, CD 49 d, CD 49 e) and beta 2-integrins (CD 18, CD 11 a, CD 11 b, CD 11 c). Together, mast cells and blood basophils express a unique pattern of integrins. These cell surface structures may be involved in the distribution of basophils and tissue mast cells and their accumulation and function in inflammed tissues.