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Characterization of a human basophil-like cell promoting activity
K Hirai1, A L De Weck, B M Stadler
1Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Bern, Inselspital, Switzerland.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Researchers characterized human basophil-like cell promoting activity (BaPA), a factor stimulating bone marrow cell growth. This T cell factor was purified and its biochemical properties were analyzed using a novel assay.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- A human basophil-like cell promoting activity (BaPA) influences bone marrow cell growth.
- Understanding BaPA's properties is crucial for hematopoiesis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the biologic and biochemical properties of BaPA.
- To develop an assay for studying this T cell factor.
- To purify and characterize BaPA.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel assay measuring intracellular histamine content in cultured human bone marrow cells.
- Purification of BaPA from lectin-stimulated spleen cell-conditioned medium using the developed assay.
- Biochemical characterization including molecular weight determination (HPLC gel filtration) and isoelectric focusing.
Main Results:
- BaPA was purified approximately 500-fold.
- Purified BaPA has a molecular weight of 23,000 Da and isoelectric points between 5.8 and 7.3.
- BaPA is heat-stable up to 80°C, resistant to 6 M guanidine hydrochloride, and sensitive to sulfhydryl reagents. It showed no activity on mouse bone marrow cells.
Conclusions:
- A novel assay enabled the purification and characterization of BaPA.
- BaPA is a distinct T cell-derived factor with specific biochemical properties.
- Further research into BaPA could elucidate mechanisms of hematopoiesis and immune regulation.