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Eosinophil major basic protein induces degranulation and IL-8 production by human eosinophils
H Kita1, R I Abu-Ghazaleh, S Sur
1Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Major basic protein (MBP) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) trigger eosinophil degranulation and IL-8 production, suggesting they act as autocrine mediators in diseases like asthma.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Eosinophil granule proteins like MBP, EPO, and ECP have diverse biological activities, including activating other immune cells.
- The specific effects of these proteins on eosinophils themselves were not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the autocrine effects of eosinophil granule proteins (MBP, EPO, ECP) on eosinophils.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which these proteins influence eosinophil function and mediator release.
Main Methods:
- Eosinophil degranulation assays measuring eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) release.
- Analysis of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels.
- Interleukin-8 (IL-8) production and mRNA expression studies using reverse transcription-PCR.
- Leukotriene C4 production assays.
Main Results:
- MBP and EPO induced eosinophil degranulation (EDN release) at low concentrations, while ECP was inactive.
- MBP and EPO-induced degranulation were not due to cell lysis and were calcium-independent for MBP.
- MBP dose-dependently stimulated IL-8 production and mRNA expression in eosinophils.
- MBP and ionomycin synergistically induced leukotriene C4 production.
Conclusions:
- MBP and EPO can act as autocrine mediators, influencing eosinophil function.
- These findings suggest a role for MBP and EPO in the pathogenesis of eosinophil-associated diseases, such as bronchial asthma.