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Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
Requirements for effective IgE cross-linking on mast cells and basophils
1Department of Dermatology/Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. e.f.knol@umcutrecht.nl
Abstract:
This article reviews the characteristics of high affinity IgE receptors (FcepsilonRI) and their role in the response to allergenic proteins. The requirements for successful cross-linking of FcepsilonRI on basophils and mast cells and subsequent degranulation by allergenic proteins will be explained in detail. Methods for in vitro analysis of allergen-induced mast cell and basophil degranulation will be described and issues/problems in applying these methods will be discussed. Finally, implications for manipulation of protein allergens will be discussed.

