IL-3 augments adhesiveness for endothelium and CD11b expression in human basophils but not neutrophils.

A number of natural and recombinant human cytokines have been tested for their ability to activate basophil and neutrophil adhesiveness for human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. Coincubation of basophils and endothelial cell monolayers for 10 min with biologically relevant concentrations of rIL-1, natural IL-2, rIL-4, rIL-5, rIL-6, rIL-8, rGM-CSF, and rIFN-gamma had no effect on basophil adhesiveness. In contrast, rIL-3 induced basophil adhesiveness for endothelial cells (optimal at 1 ng/ml: 144 +/- 18% of control adherence (mean +/- SEM); control basophil binding, 13 +/- 3%, n = 9, p less than or equal to 0.05). This increase in adhesiveness was similar in magnitude to that induced by an optimal concentration of a known potent inducer of basophil adhesiveness (1 microM FMLP, 164 +/- 15% of control adherence, n = 9). Under these experimental conditions, the effects of rIL-3 occurred at concentrations of 0.1 to 30 ng/ml, were partially dependent on calcium, and were not accompanied by histamine release. Fixation experiments demonstrated that the effect of rIL-3 was directed against the basophil rather than the endothelial cell. Neither rIL-3 nor the other cytokines tested had any effect on the adherence of 51Cr-labeled neutrophils, even when tested simultaneously on cells from the same donors. Under experimental conditions that permitted histamine release, no correlation was seen between the ability of rIL-3 (0.3 to 300 ng/ml) to induce histamine release or enhance adhesiveness (n = 8). mAb blocking experiments demonstrated a role for both CD11 and CD18 adherence glycoproteins in basophil adherence induced by rIL-3, and indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometric analysis revealed that rIL-3 treatment led to rapid and sustained increases in cell surface expression of CD11b antigens on basophils but not neutrophils (e.g., after 10 min: 217 +/- 29 vs 91 +/- 11% of control mean fluorescence intensity, p less than 0.05). However, no correlation was seen between the magnitude of changes in CD11b expression and changes in adhesion when tested simultaneously. These results suggest that local production of IL-3 during allergic reactions in vivo may selectively promote basophil activation, adhesion to endothelium, and recruitment to extravascular sites of inflammation.     

Effect of IL-3 and stem cell factor on the appearance of human basophils and mast cells from CD34+ pluripotent progenitor cells.

Hemopoietic stem cell factor (SCF), which is the ligand for the proto-oncogene c-kit receptor (allelic with W locus) and the product of Sl locus of the mouse, has recently been cloned. The human homologue has also been cloned, and recombinant protein (human rSCF) expressed and purified to homogeneity. To determine the effect of human rSCF in the presence or absence of human rIL-3 on human bone marrow-derived mast cells and basophils, human CD34+ pluripotent progenitor cells, highly enriched (greater than 99%) from bone marrow mononuclear cells, were cultured over agarose surfaces (interphase cultures) in the presence of human rIL-3, human rIL-3 and increasing concentrations of human rSCF, or human rSCF alone. Over 3 to 4 wk, human rSCF acted synergistically with human rIL-3 at all concentrations, producing a three- to fivefold increase in total, mast cell, and basophil numbers over human rIL-3 alone when used at 100 ng/ml. The percentage of cell types in the human rIL-3 and human rIL-3 plus human rSCF cultures, however, remained the same, with basophils constituting 18 to 35% of the final cultured cells, and mast cells 3% or less of the final cell number. In the presence of human rSCF alone, the combined total percentage of mast cells and basophils was 0 to 1.0%, the majority of cells being macrophages. Mast cells cultured in human rIL-3 plus human rSCF, but not human rIL-3 alone, were berberine sulfate positive, suggesting the presence of heparin proteoglycans within granules. Electron microscopic examination of cultures supplemented with human rIL-3 and rSCF, but not human rIL-3 alone, revealed that after 3 wk in culture, mast cell granules contained tryptase and exhibited scroll, reticular, and homogeneous patterns as seen previously in CD34+/3T3 fibroblast cocultures. Thus, CD34+ cells cultured in the presence of both human rIL-3 and rSCF give rise to cultures containing increased numbers of basophils and mast cells, with the mast cells by ultrastructural studies showing evidence of maturation although the percentages of basophils and mast cells arising in these cultures remained unchanged.     

Characterization of the anti-inflammatory effect of FK-506 on human mast cells.

We have examined the effects of FK-506 and of the struturally related macrolide rapamycin, which bind with high affinity to a specific binding protein (FKBP), to evaluate the involvement of this protein in the release of preformed (histamine) and de novo synthesized inflammatory mediators (sulfidopeptide leukotriene C4 and prostaglandin D2) from mast cells isolated from human lung parenchyma. FK-506 (0.1 to 300 nM) concentration dependently inhibited histamine release from lung parenchymal mast cells activated by anti-IgE. FK-506 was more potent in lung mast cells than in basophils (IC50 = 1.13 +/- 0.46 nM vs 5.28 +/- 0.88 nM; p less than 0.001), whereas the maximal inhibitory effect was higher in basophils than in lung mast cells (88.4 +/- 2.5% vs 76.4 +/- 3.8%; p less than 0.01). FK-506 had little or no inhibitory effect on histamine release from lung mast cells challenged with compound A23187, whereas it completely suppressed A23187-induced histamine release from basophils. FK-506 also inhibited the de novo synthesis of 5-lipoxygenase (sulfidopeptide leukotriene C4) and cyclo-oxygenase (prostaglandin D2) metabolites of arachidonic acid from mast cells challenged with anti-IgE. Unlike in basophils, Il-3 (3 to 30 ng/ml) did not modify anti-IgE- or A23187-induced histamine release from lung mast cells nor did it reverse the inhibitory effect of FK-506. Rapamycin (3 to 300 nM) had little or no effect on the release of histamine from lung mast cells, but it was a competitive antagonist of the inhibitory effect of FK-506 on anti-IgE-induced histamine release from human mast cells with a dissociation constant of about 12 nM. These data indicate that FK-506 is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that acts on human lung mast cells presumably by binding to a receptor site (i.e., FKBP).     

Tat protein is an HIV-1-encoded beta-chemokine homolog that promotes migration and up-regulates CCR3 expression on human Fc epsilon RI+ cells

Human basophils and mast cells express the chemokine receptor CCR3, which binds the chemokines eotaxin and RANTES. HIV-1 Tat protein is a potent chemoattractant for basophils and lung mast cells obtained from healthy individuals seronegative for Abs to HIV-1 and HIV-2. Tat protein induced a rapid and transient Ca(2+) influx in basophils and mast cells, analogous to beta-chemokines. Tat protein neither induced histamine release from human basophils and mast cells nor increased IL-3-stimulated histamine secretion from basophils. The chemotactic activity of Tat protein was blocked by preincubation of FcepsilonRI(+) cells with anti-CCR3 Ab. Preincubation of Tat with a mAb anti-Tat (aa 1-86) blocked the migration induced by Tat. In contrast, a mAb specific for the basic region (aa 46-60) did not inhibit the chemotactic effect of Tat protein. Tat protein or eotaxin desensitized basophils to a subsequent challenge with the autologous or the heterologous stimulus. Preincubation of basophils with Tat protein up-regulated the level of CCR3 mRNA and the surface expression of the CCR3 receptor. Tat protein is the first identified HIV-1-encoded beta-chemokine homologue that influences the directional migration of human FcepsilonRI(+) cells and the expression of surface receptor CCR3 on these cells.     

Effects of rhinovirus infection on histamine and cytokine production by cell lines from human mast cells and basophils

To understand the biochemical events that occur in the airways after rhinovirus (RV) infection, we developed for the first time a model in which the cell lines from human mast cells (HMC-1) and basophils (KU812) can be infected with RV14, a major group RV. Viral infection was confirmed by demonstrating that viral titers in culture supernatants, and RV RNA increased with time. RV14 infection alone and a combination of PMA plus calcium ionophore A23187, did not increase histamine production by these cells, although IgE plus anti-IgE increased the histamine production. However, histamine content in the supernatants increased in response to PMA plus A23187, or IgE plus anti-IgE after RV14 infection. PMA plus A23187 or IgE plus anti-IgE induced the production of IL-8 and GM-CSF in supernatants of HMC-1 cells and IL-4 and IL-6 in supernatants of KU812 cells. RV14 infection further increased the production of the cytokines, whereas RV14 infection alone did not alter the production of the cytokines by these cells. An Ab to ICAM-1 inhibited RV14 infection of the cells and decreased the production of cytokines and histamine after RV14 infection. RV14 infection enhanced the increases in intracellular calcium concentration and activation of NF-kappaB by PMA plus A23187 in the cells. These findings suggest that RV14 infection may prime the cytokine and histamine production from mast cells and basophils and may cause airway inflammation in asthma.     

Demonstration of the origin of human mast cells from CD34+ bone marrow progenitor cells.

It has been established that murine mast cells are derived from a pluripotent bone marrow stem cell. In humans, the corresponding pluripotent cell is included in the CD34+ bone marrow population. To determine whether human mast cells arise from CD34+ human progenitor cells, enriched CD34+ cells were cultured over agarose surfaces (interphase cultures) or cocultured with mouse 3T3 fibroblasts in the presence of recombinant human (rh) IL-3. The presence of both mast cells and basophils was determined using a variety of histochemical and immunohistologic techniques, including immunogold labeling for IgE receptors and mast cell tryptase. Mast cells and basophils continued to appear in cultures when T cell, B cell, macrophage, and eosinophil committed progenitor cells were removed, but were not seen in cultures from which CD34+ cells were removed. CD34+ cells layered over agarose in the presence of rhIL-3 were shown to give rise to cultures that contained mast cells (1 to 5%) and basophils (25 to 40%). Cultures supplemented with rhIL-4 showed no additional increase in mast cells or basophils. CD34+ cells cocultured with 3T3 fibroblasts in the presence of rhIL-3 gave rise to mast cells within the fibroblast monolayer, which by 6 wk comprised up to 46% of the monolayer. CD34-cells on 3T3 fibroblasts gave rise to few mast cells (2% of the monolayer). Mast cell granules from interphase cultures contained homogeneous electron-dense material. In contrast, mast cells within 3T3 monolayers at 6 wk contained a variety of granule morphologies, including scroll, mixed, reticular, dense core, or homogeneous patterns. We conclude that both human mast cells and basophils arise from CD34+ human progenitor cells.     

Effect of human recombinant IL-2 on murine macrophage precursors. Involvement of a receptor distinct from the p55 (Tac) protein

Homogeneous populations of bone marrow-derived murine macrophage precursors are able to respond to human rIL-2. A prolonged exposure to the lymphokine results in proliferation and in the final differentiation of macrophage precursors to mature macrophages, as shown by follow-up of the antigenic profile by means of cytofluorograph analysis. The frequency of the IL-2-responding cells was 1/48 as determined by limiting dilution analysis, and no cell death was evidenced in soft agar cultures. An analysis of the IL-2-binding sites conducted on bone marrow-derived macrophage precursors revealed the presence of 4000 binding sites with intermediate affinity (Kd approximately 3 x 10(-9)). Bone marrow-derived macrophage precursors did not react, even after prolonged culture in IL-2-conditioned media, with mAb recognizing the binding site (AMT-13, 3C7) or a binding site-associate molecule (7D4) of a Mr 50,000 to 60,000 component of the IL-2R expressed by the IL-2-dependent T cell line CTLL-2. Cross-linking studies showed the presence of a single binding protein, with an apparent Mr of 70,000. Macrophage precursors also proved able to internalize human rIL-2 within the first 20 min of incubation at 37 degrees C. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

IL-16 regulation of human mast cells/basophils and their susceptibility to HIV-1

AIDS patients often contain HIV-1-infected mast cells (MCs)/basophils in their peripheral blood, and in vivo-differentiated MCs/basophils have been isolated from the blood of asthma patients that are HIV-1 susceptible ex vivo due to their surface expression of CD4 and varied chemokine receptors. Because IL-16 is a ligand for CD4 and/or an undefined CD4-associated protein, the ability of this multifunctional cytokine to regulate the development of human MCs/basophils from nongranulated progenitors residing in cord or peripheral blood was evaluated. After 3 wk of culture in the presence of c-kit ligand, IL-16 induced the progenitors residing in the blood of normal individuals to increase their expression of chymase and tryptase about 20-fold. As assessed immunohistochemically, >80% of these tryptase(+) and/or chymase(+) cells expressed CD4. The resulting cells responded to IL-16 in an in vitro chemotaxis assay, and this biologic response could be blocked by anti-IL-16 and anti-CD4 Abs as well as by a competitive peptide inhibitor corresponding to a sequence in the C-terminal domain of IL-16. The additional finding that IL-16 induces calcium mobilization in the HMC-1 cell line indicates that IL-16 acts directly on MCs and their committed progenitors. IL-16-treated MCs/basophils also are less susceptible to infection by an M/R5-tropic strain of HIV-1. Thus, IL-16 regulates MCs/basophils at a number of levels, including their vulnerability to retroviral infection.     

A monoclonal antibody recognizing 68- to 75-kilodalton protein(s) associated with the human IL-1 receptor

We produced an IgM mAb termed 4.9 against an EBV-containing lymphoblastoid cell line, termed 3B6. This mAb reacted with both various B and T cell lines such as HSB2 cells, with an NK-like cell line YT-C3 cells, and with human fibroblast MCR-5 cells. It also reacted with normal resting peripheral B lymphocytes, monocytes, and anti-CD2- or anti-CD3-activated T lymphocytes. The 4.9 mAb immunoprecipitated two bands estimated to be of Mr 68 and 75 kDa from iodinated 3B6 cells. The 4.9 mAb inhibited the proliferation of peripheral T lymphocytes induced either by anti-CD3 mAb or anti-CD2 mAb. The 4.9 mAb inhibited also the proliferation of murine thymocytes both in the presence of PHA and IL-1 and the proliferation of human fibroblasts in the presence of IL-1. Radiolabeled IL-1 binding on 3B6 cells revealed two types of IL-1 binding sites with high and low affinity for IL-1 (300 sites/cell with a Kd of 6 x 10(-11)M and 6000 sites/cell with a Kd of 3 x 10(-9)M). On both 3B6 and YT-C3 cells, mAb 4.9 inhibited specifically the binding of 125I-labeled rIL-1, alpha or beta, whereas the irrelevant IgM mAb did not. Conversely, rIL-1, alpha or beta, could inhibit specifically the binding of radioiodinated 4.9 mAb to 3B6 or YT-C3 cells, whereas rIL-2, rIFN, or the irrelevant IgM mAb were ineffective. 125I-4.9 mAb bound 3B6 cells with an association constant (Ka) of 2 x 10(8)/M and demonstrated 6000 binding sites/cell. We thus conclude that mAb 4.9 recognizes a protein complex (68 to 75 kDa) closely associated with the IL-1R.     

Human mast cells transmigrate through human umbilical vein endothelial monolayers and selectively produce IL-8 in response to stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha

Mature mast cells are generally considered to be less mobile cells residing within tissue sites. However, mast cell numbers are known to increase in the context of inflammation, and mast cells are recognized to be important in regulating local neutrophil infiltration. CXC chemokines may play a critical role in this process. In this study two human mast cell-like lines, HMC-1 and KU812, and human cord blood-derived primary cultured mast cells were employed to examine role of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in regulating mast cell migration and mediator production. It was demonstrated that human mast cells constitutively express mRNA and protein for CXCR4. Stimulation of human mast cells with SDF-1, the only known ligand for CXCR4, induced a significant increase in intracellular calcium levels. In vitro, SDF-1 alpha mediated dose-dependent migration of human cord blood-derived mast cells and HMC-1 cells across HUVEC monolayers. Although SDF-1 alpha did not induce mast cell degranulation, it selectively stimulated production of the neutrophil chemoattractant IL-8 without affecting TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, or RANTES production, providing further evidence of the selective modulation of mast cell function by this chemokine. These findings provide a novel, SDF-1-dependent mechanism for mast cell transendothelial migration and functional regulation, which may have important implications for the local regulation of mast cells in disease.     

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: human mast cell line activation induced by logarithmic and stationary promastigote derived-lysates

Herein we investigate the ability of live promastigotes and total lysate of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, derived from parasites in the logarithmic (L-Lb) or stationary phase (S-Lb), to induce human mast cell line (HMC-1) activation. In comparison with medium-treated cells, a significant histamine release was observed in HMC-1 cultures stimulated with S-Lb. Lipophosphoglycan also induced histamine release by HMC-1 cells. In immunocytochemical assays, we found a marked staining for tryptase in medium-treated HMC-1 cells, however, stimulation with L-Lb or S-Lb caused a marked decrease in the color reaction as well as in the number of tryptase-positive cells. L-Lb and S-Lb induced an evident decrease in the intracellular expression of IL-4 but not IL-12. Live stationary promastigotes were able to induce high levels of IL-4 release in HMC-1 cultures. Furthermore, these cells released significant amounts of IL-12 when incubated with both types of live promastigotes. These results indicate that L. (V.) braziliensis promastigotes differ in their ability to induce direct human mast cells activation, according to the growth phase of the parasite. Furthermore, the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines could represent an important phenomenon that might favor the initial establishment of the infection.     

A novel monoclonal antibody against murine IL-2 receptor beta-chain. Characterization of receptor expression in normal lymphoid cells and EL-4 cells

A mAb specific for the murine IL-2R beta-chain (IL-2R beta) was produced by immunizing a rat with a rat transfectant cell line expressing a large number of cDNA-encoded murine IL-2R beta. The mAb, designated TM-beta 1, is specifically reactive with the murine IL-2R beta cDNA-transfectant but not with the recipient cell, and immunoprecipitates murine IL-2R beta of Mr 75 to 85 kDa. TM-beta 1 mAb completely abolished the high affinity IL-2 binding by inhibiting the ligand binding to IL-2R beta. Murine IL-2R beta was found to be constitutively expressed on a subpopulation of CD8+ T cells and almost all NK1.1+ NK cells in the spleen, whereas TM-beta 1 mAb inhibited the proliferation of spleen cells induced by 1 nM of IL-2. Interestingly, EL-4 cells that express murine IL-2R beta as detected by TM-beta 1 mAb can bind neither human nor murine IL-2 under the intermediate affinity conditions, although cDNA-directed human IL-2R beta expressed in the same EL-4 cells has been previously shown to manifest the intermediate affinity IL-2 binding. These results may imply that functional expression of IL-2R beta is differentially regulated between humans and mice. Finally, our neutralizing anti-IL-2R beta mAb TM-beta 1 will be useful not only for various in vitro studies but also for in vivo studies to directly investigate the possible involvement of the IL-2/IL-2R pathway in the generation and differentiation of T lymphocytes and NK cells.     

ICAM-3 (CD50) is expressed by human mast cells: induction of homotypic mast cell aggregation via ICAM-3

Intercellular adhesion molecule-3 (ICAM-3, CD50), an adhesion receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is suggested to play a key role in adhesive cellular interactions during the initial phase of an immune response. We here provide evidence that ICAM-3 is abundantly expressed by cells of the human mast cell line HMC-1 and, to a lower degree, by purified skin mast cells, as demonstrated by flow-cytometry, ELISA and RT-PCR. ICAM-3 immunoprecipitated from surface biotinylated HMC-1 cells migrates as a broad band of Mr 124,000 by Western blot analysis. We also demonstrate that monoclonal antibodies directed against ICAM-3 are capable of inducing rapid HMC-1 cell aggregation, the extent of which strongly depends on the epitope recognized by the mAb applied. Interestingly, although inhibitable by two of six mAbs against LFA-1, HMC-1 aggregation induced via ICAM-3 appears to be mediated by an adhesive pathway independent of LFA-1. Dermal mast cells are also aggregated with anti-ICAM-3 mAbs, a phenomenon which has not been described before for isolated tissue mast cells. However, this process displays slower kinetics, as compared to HMC-1 cells. That anti-ICAM-3 mAbs are able to mediate biological effects is further illustrated by their capability to increase stimulation-dependent release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 from HMC-1 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that ICAM-3 is not only expressed by immature and mature human mast cells, but also possesses functional relevance and may therefore play a significant role in mast cell associated processes.     

The PI3-kinase/mTOR-targeting drug NVP-BEZ235 inhibits growth and IgE-dependent activation of human mast cells and basophils

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are two major signaling molecules involved in growth and activation of mast cells (MC) and basophils (BA). We examined the effects of the dual PI3-kinase/mTOR blocker NVP-BEZ235 on growth of normal and neoplastic BA and MC as well as immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent cell activation. Growth of MC and BA were determined by measuring (3)H-thymidine uptake and apoptosis. Cell activation was determined in histamine release experiments and by measuring upregulation of CD63 and CD203c after challenging with IgE plus anti-IgE or allergen. We found that NVP-BEZ235 exerts profound inhibitory effects on growth of primary and cloned neoplastic MC. In the MC leukemia cell line HMC-1, NVP-BEZ235 showed similar IC(50) values in the HMC-1.1 subclone lacking KIT D816V (0.025 μM) and the HMC-1.2 subclone expressing KIT D816V (0.005 μM). Moreover, NVP-BEZ235 was found to exert strong growth-inhibitory effects on neoplastic MC in a xenotransplant-mouse model employing NMR1-Foxn1(nu) mice. NVP-BEZ235 also exerted inhibitory effects on cytokine-dependent differentiation of normal BA and MC, but did not induce growth inhibition or apoptosis in mature MC or normal bone marrow cells. Finally, NVP-BEZ235 was found to inhibit IgE-dependent histamine release in BA and MC (IC(50) 0.5-1 μM) as well as anti-IgE-induced upregulation of CD203c in BA and IgE-dependent upregulation of CD63 in MC. In summary, NVP-BEZ235 produces growth-inhibitory effects in immature neoplastic MC and inhibits IgE-dependent activation of mature BA and MC. Whether these potentially beneficial drug effects have clinical implications is currently under investigation.     

IL-4 regulates c-kit proto-oncogene product expression in human mast and myeloid progenitor cells.

The c-kit proto-oncogene encodes the receptor for a novel hemopoietic cytokine, termed stem cell factor (SCF) or mast cell growth factor (MGF) according to its stimulating spectrum. The human receptor for SCF/MGF is expressed in a subset of normal bone marrow progenitor cells, in leukemic myeloid cells, and in mast cells. In the present study, the effects of recombinant human growth regulators (IL-1 through -9, granulocyte-macrophage/granulocyte/macrophage-CSF, IFN, and TNF) on c-kit proto-oncogene product expression were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence, by using the anti-SCF/MGFR mAb YB5.B8, and Northern blot analyses, by using a c-kit oligonucleotide probe. Of all cytokines tested, IL-4 was found to down-regulate expression of YB5.B8 Ag in the human mast cell line HMC-1 (maximum inhibition, 51.05 +/- 16.36% mean fluorescence intensity of control; p less than 0.02), as well as in primary leukemic myeloid cells. IL-4 was also found to down-regulate expression of YB5.B8 Ag in normal enriched bone marrow progenitor cells. The effects of IL-4 on expression of YB8.B8 Ag in myeloid/mast cell progenitors was dose and time dependent (maximum effects observed on days 2 and/or 4, by using 50 U/ml of rIL-4) and could be neutralized by using anti-IL-4 mAb. Moreover, IL-4 was found to down-regulate expression of c-kit mRNA in leukemic myeloid cells as well as in HMC-1 cells. Together, these observations identify IL-4 as a regulator of c-kit proto-oncogene product expression in the human system. The effects of IL-4 on human hemopoietic progenitor cells and mast cells may be mediated in part through regulation of SCF/MGFR expression.     

Galectin-9 Enhances Cytokine Secretion,but Suppresses Survival and Degranulation,in Human Mast Cell Line

Galectin-9 (Gal-9), a lectin having a β-galactoside-binding domain, can induce apoptosis of Th1 cells by binding to TIM-3. In addition, Gal-9 inhibits IgE/Ag-mediated degranulation of mast cell/basophilic cell lines by binding to IgE, thus blocking IgE/Ag complex formation. However, the role of Gal-9 in mast cell function in the absence of IgE is not fully understood. Here, we found that recombinant Gal-9 directly induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2 but not p38 MAPK in a human mast cell line, HMC-1, which does not express FcεRI. Gal-9 induced apoptosis and inhibited PMA/ionomycin-mediated degranulation of HMC-1 cells. On the other hand, Gal-9 induced cytokine and/or chemokine production by HMC-1 cells, dependent on activation of ERK1/2 but not p38 MAPK. In addition, the lectin activity of Gal-9 was required for Gal-9-mediated cytokine secretion by HMC-1 cells. These observations suggest that Gal-9 has dual properties as both a regulator and an activator of mast cells.     

Tryptase activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase/activator protein-1 pathway in human peripheral blood eosinophils,causing cytokine production and release

We have previously shown that mast cells enhance eosinophil survival and activation. In this study we further characterized mast cell activity toward eosinophils. Sonicate of both rat peritoneal mast cells and the human mast cell line 1 (HMC-1) induced a concentration-dependent IL-6 and IL-8 release from human peripheral blood eosinophils (ELISA). HMC-1-induced IL-8 release was significantly reduced by the tryptase inhibitors GW-45 and GW-58 (90 and 87%, respectively, at an optimal concentration) but not by anti-stem cell factor, anti-TNF-alpha, or anti-IFN-gamma neutralizing Abs or by the antihistamine drugs pyrilamine and cimetidine. In a manner similar to HMC-1, human recombinant tryptase induced the expression of mRNA for IL-8 (RT-PCR) and caused IL-8 release from the eosinophils. Addition of cycloheximide, actinomycin D, dexamethasone, PD 98059, curcumin, or SB 202190 completely inhibited the tryptase-induced IL-6 and IL-8 release. In contrast, cyclosporin A had no effect on tryptase-induced IL-8 release. Tryptase caused phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1 and 2, and p38 (Western blot). Tryptase also induced the translocation of c-Jun from the cytosol to the nucleus (confocal microscopy) and enhanced AP-1 binding activity to the DNA (EMSA). Eosinophils were found to express proteinase-activated receptor 2 (FACS). When eosinophils were incubated with tryptase in the presence of anti-proteinase-activated receptor 2 antagonist Abs a significant decrease in the IL-6 and IL-8 release occurred. In summary, we have demonstrated that the preformed mast cell mediator tryptase induces cytokine production and release in human peripheral blood eosinophils by the mitogen-activated protein kinase/AP-1 pathway.     

IL-3-dependent growth of basophil-like cells and mastlike cells from human bone marrow

Human bone marrow cultured in the presence of human rIL-3 has been reported to give rise to basophils. In contrast, mouse bone marrow, cultured in the presence of mouse IL-3, leads to the growth of mast cells. To determine if human rIL-3 might also stimulate the growth of human mast cells, we cultured human bone marrow in the presence of human rIL-3 in suspension cultures, methylcellulose, and in "interphase" cultures where cells are layered over agar. The presence of mast cells was determined using a variety of histochemical techniques. In agreement with previous reports, basophil-like cells were identified in all culture systems. Mastlike cells were identified only in interphase cultures. By 3 wk, such cultures consisted of basophil-like cells (20 to 50%) and mastlike cells (1 to 5%). Cultures supplemented with rIL-4 showed no additional increase in basophil-like and mastlike cells. Both basophil-like and mastlike cells fluoresced with o-phthaldialdehyde and exhibited IgE receptors. Unlike basophil-like cells, mastlike cells were chloroacetate esterase, amidase, and human mast cell tryptase positive. We conclude that human rIL-3 can support the growth of human mastlike cells under selected culture conditions.     

F(ab)'2-mediated neutralization of C3a and C5a anaphylatoxins: a novel effector function of immunoglobulins

High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) prevents immune damage by scavenging complement fragments C3b and C4b. We tested the hypothesis that exogenous immunoglobulin molecules also bind anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, thereby neutralizing their pro-inflammatory effects. Single-cell calcium measurements in HMC-1 human mast cells showed that a rise in intracellular calcium caused by C3a and C5a was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by IVIG, F(ab)2-IVIG and irrelevant human monoclonal antibody. C3a- and C5a-induced thromboxane (TXB2) generation and histamine release from HMC-1 cells and whole-blood basophils were also suppressed by exogenous immunoglobulins. In a mouse model of asthma, immunoglobulin treatment reduced cellular migration to the lung. Lethal C5a-mediated circulatory collapse in pigs was prevented by pretreatment with F(ab)2-IVIG. Molecular modeling, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and western blot analyses suggested a physical association between anaphylatoxins and the constant region of F(ab)2. This binding could interfere with the role of C3a and C5a in inflammation.