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Published on: March 2, 2011
Human blood basophils synthesize interleukin-2 binding sites
H Stockinger1, P Valent, O Majdic
1Institute of Immunology, University of Vienna, Austria.
Blood
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Human blood basophils synthesize and express the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor. This study biochemically characterized the IL-2 receptor on basophil surfaces, confirming its presence and function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Basophils are known to express receptors for various lymphokines.
- The specific expression and characterization of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor on basophils remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To biochemically characterize the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor on human blood basophil surface membranes.
- To confirm the synthesis and expression of IL-2 receptors by basophils.
Main Methods:
- Purification of blood basophils from chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL) patients using monoclonal antibodies and complement.
- Binding studies with CD25 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) and radiolabeled recombinant human (rh) IL-2.
- Immunoprecipitation, quantitative binding studies with Scatchard plot analysis, Northern blot analysis, and metabolic labeling.
Main Results:
- Purified CGL basophils bound CD25 MoAbs, identifying the 55- to 60-Kd IL-2 receptor (Tac peptide) subunit.
- Immunoprecipitation confirmed a 60-Kd protein, and quantitative binding revealed approximately 12,000 low-affinity IL-2 binding sites per basophil.
- Northern blot analysis detected IL-2 receptor mRNA, and metabolic labeling indicated active synthesis of the IL-2 receptor.
Conclusions:
- Human blood basophils synthesize and express functional receptors for interleukin-2 (IL-2).
- These findings contribute to understanding basophil immunobiology and their role in immune responses mediated by IL-2.
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