Intracellular localization and release of eotaxin from normal eosinophils

Eotaxin is a potent and selective CC chemokine for eosinophils and basophils. We established several monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) allowing the neutralization and measurement of human eotaxin. Using the Mabs as probes, we demonstrated that normal eosinophils contained intracellular granule-associated eotaxin. Quantification of cell-associated eotaxin in different leukocyte subsets revealed that it was principally expressed in eosinophils. Finally, we showed that normal eosinophils released eotaxin upon stimulation with either of two secretagogues, C5a or ionomycin. These findings raise the possibility that eosinophil-derived eotaxin contributes to the local accumulation of eosinophils at the site of inflammation.