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Stimulation of mast cell chemotaxis by interleukin 3

N Matsuura1, B R Zetter

  • 1Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-3 (IL-3) is the main factor in spleen cell-conditioned medium (SCCM) that attracts connective tissue mast cells (CTMC). This directed movement of mast cells may play a role in inflammatory and immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Hematopoiesis

Background:

  • Connective tissue mast cells (CTMC) are key immune cells involved in inflammatory and allergic reactions.
  • Understanding the factors that regulate mast cell migration is crucial for comprehending immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the chemotactic activity of spleen cell-conditioned medium (SCCM) and purified hematopoietic growth factors on mouse CTMC.
  • To identify the specific factor(s) within SCCM responsible for mast cell migration.

Main Methods:

  • Chemotaxis assays were performed using mouse CTMC.
  • Various purified hematopoietic growth factors, including IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, and GM-CSF, were tested.
  • PWM-activated SCCM was used as a source of potential chemotactic factors.
  • Neutralizing antibodies against IL-3 were employed to assess its role.

Main Results:

  • Only IL-3 and SCCM demonstrated significant chemotactic activity for CTMC.
  • IL-2, IL-4, GM-CSF, and endotoxin showed no significant mast cell chemotactic activity.
  • Neutralizing antibodies to IL-3 inhibited over 90% of SCCM's chemotactic effect, identifying IL-3 as the primary factor.

Conclusions:

  • Mature CTMC migrate towards gradients of IL-3.
  • IL-3 is the predominant mast cell chemotactic factor produced by activated spleen cells.
  • Mast cell migration towards IL-3 may influence mast cell accumulation at inflammatory sites.

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