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Localization of eosinophil granule major basic protein in human basophils
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|September 1, 1983
Summary
Human basophils contain major basic protein (MBP), an eosinophil granule protein. This discovery utilized immunofluorescence and radioimmunoassay to confirm MBP
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Protein Chemistry
Background:
- Human eosinophil granule major basic protein (MBP) is a key mediator of allergic inflammation.
- Previous research identified Charcot-Leyden crystal protein, another eosinophil protein, in basophils.
- Unidentified cells staining for MBP prompted investigation into basophil involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if human basophils contain major basic protein (MBP).
- To immunochemically characterize MBP found in basophils.
- To quantify MBP levels in purified basophils.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to isolate highly purified, eosinophil-free basophil suspensions.
- Immunofluorescence staining was employed to localize MBP within basophils.
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was utilized to quantify MBP in basophil extracts.
Main Results:
- FACS-purified basophils stained positive for MBP, indicating its presence.
- MBP was localized to histamine- and heparin-containing granules within basophils.
- RIA confirmed significant MBP quantities in basophils, with dose-response curves identical to eosinophil MBP.
Conclusions:
- Human basophils contain a protein immunochemically indistinguishable from eosinophil granule MBP.
- Basophils contribute to the body's pool of MBP.
- This finding has implications for understanding allergic inflammatory processes.