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The relationship between released soluble FceRI-alpha and its cell surface density on human basophils.
1Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.
Plos One
|January 22, 2021
Summary
Researchers investigated the release of the FceRI-alpha subunit from human basophils during IgE-mediated activation. They found a consistent amount of nearly mature FceRI-alpha is released, regardless of stimulation type, representing about 7% of the total.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- IgE-mediated activation of mast cells and basophils releases substances, including the FceRI-alpha subunit.
- This soluble FceRI-alpha may down-regulate subsequent IgE-dependent reactions.
- Previous studies reported conflicting observations regarding FceRI-alpha loss from human basophils.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the basis for discordant observations regarding FceRI-alpha release from human basophils.
- To understand the characteristics and regulation of FceRI-alpha secretion.
Main Methods:
- Purified human basophils were stimulated with various secretagogues.
- Supernatants were analyzed for histamine and released FceRI-alpha.
- Cell surface IgE and total FceRI-alpha content were measured using flow cytometry and Western blots.
Main Results:
- Released FceRI-alpha averaged 7% of total surface FceRI.
- Soluble FceRI-alpha had a molecular weight of ~54 kD.
- Release was insensitive to Bafilomycin A and independent of FceRI density, occurring more effectively with non-IgE stimuli.
Conclusions:
- A consistent pool of nearly mature FceRI-alpha is susceptible to secretion upon stimulation.
- This readily releasable pool represents approximately 7% of the mature FceRI-alpha.
