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Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation
08:44

Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation

Published on: May 30, 2020

Human eosinophil major basic protein, a mediator of allergic inflammation, is expressed by alternative splicing from

M S Li1, L Sun, T Satoh

  • 1Department of Cellular and Molecular Science, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, U.K..

The Biochemical Journal
|February 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Human eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) gene expression is regulated by two promoters, P1 and P2. Differential splicing of MBP transcripts from these promoters controls gene expression during eosinophil maturation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Human eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) is a key mediator in allergic inflammation and parasite defense.
  • MBP is stored in eosinophil granules and released during inflammatory responses.
  • Previous research identified a single MBP gene promoter (P2) producing a 1.0 kb mRNA transcript.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of the human MBP gene.
  • To identify and characterize all MBP mRNA transcripts and their corresponding promoters.
  • To understand how MBP gene expression is controlled during eosinophil development.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and sequencing of novel 1.6 kb MBP cDNA from HL-60 cells.
  • Genomic sequencing of MBP gene clones from chromosome 11 library.
  • Primer extension analysis to identify transcription start sites.
  • Northern blotting and reverse-transcription PCR to quantify mRNA levels.

Main Results:

  • The human MBP gene is expressed from two distinct promoters, P1 (distal) and P2 (proximal).
  • Two mRNA transcripts (1.6 kb from P1, 1.0 kb from P2) are generated via differential splicing.
  • 1.0 kb mRNA is more abundant in immature cells (HL-60, bone marrow), while 1.6 kb mRNA predominates in mature eosinophils.

Conclusions:

  • Differential promoter usage (P1 and P2) and alternative splicing regulate MBP gene expression.
  • This mechanism allows for fine-tuning of MBP levels during eosinophil maturation.
  • Understanding MBP regulation provides insights into allergic inflammation and host defense.

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