A novel human immunoglobulin Fc gamma Fc epsilon bifunctional fusion protein inhibits Fc epsilon RI-mediated degranulation

Human mast cells and basophils that express the high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor, Fc epsilon receptor 1 (Fc epsilon RI), have key roles in allergic diseases. Fc epsilon RI cross-linking stimulates the release of allergic mediators. Mast cells and basophils co-express Fc gamma RIIb, a low affinity receptor containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif and whose co-aggregation with Fc epsilon RI can block Fc epsilon RI-mediated reactivity. Here we designed, expressed and tested the human basophil and mast-cell inhibitory function of a novel chimeric fusion protein, whose structure is gamma Hinge-CH gamma 2-CH gamma 3-15aa linker-CH epsilon 2-CH epsilon 3-CH epsilon 4. This Fc gamma Fc epsilon fusion protein was expressed as the predicted 140-kappa D dimer that reacted with anti-human epsilon- and gamma-chain specific antibodies. Fc gamma Fc epsilon bound to both human Fc epsilon RI and Fc gamma RII. It also showed dose- and time-dependent inhibition of antigen-driven IgE-mediated histamine release from fresh human basophils sensitized with IgE directed against NIP (4-hydroxy-3-iodo-5-nitrophenylacetyl). This was associated with altered Syk signaling. The fusion protein also showed increased inhibition of human anti-NP (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylacetyl) and anti-dansyl IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in transgenic mice expressing human Fc epsilon RI alpha. Our results show that this chimeric protein is able to form complexes with both Fc epsilon RI and Fc gamma RII, and inhibit mast-cell and basophil function. This approach, using a Fc gamma Fc epsilon fusion protein to co-aggregate Fc epsilon RI with a receptor containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif, has therapeutic potential in IgE- and Fc epsilon RI-mediated diseases.     

Conservation of signal transduction mechanisms via the human Fc epsilon RI alpha after transfection into a rat mast cell line, RBL 2H3.

The high affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI) is present on mast cells and basophils, and the aggregation of IgE-occupied receptors by Ag is responsible for the release of allergic mediators. The Fc epsilon RI is composed of at least three different subunits, alpha, beta, and gamma, with the alpha subunit binding IgE. The series of biochemical events linking receptor aggregation to the release of mediators has not been fully delineated. As a step towards understanding these processes, and for the development of functional cell lines, we have transfected the human Fc epsilon RI alpha subunit into the rat mast cell line RBL 2H3. These human Fc epsilon RI alpha-transfected cell lines have been characterized with respect to the association of the human alpha subunit with endogenous rat beta and gamma subunits and the ability of aggregated Fc epsilon RI alpha subunits to mediate a variety of biochemical events. The signal transduction events monitored include phosphoinositide hydrolysis, Ca2+ mobilization, tyrosine phosphorylation, histamine release, and arachidonic acid metabolism. In all cases, the events mediated by aggregating human Fc epsilon RI alpha subunits were indistinguishable from those produced via the rat Fc epsilon RI alpha. These results demonstrate that the human Fc epsilon RI alpha subunit can functionally substitute for the rat Fc epsilon RI alpha subunit during signal transduction. The availability of this cell line will provide a means of evaluating potential Fc epsilon RI antagonists.     

Fc receptors and immunoglobulin binding factors

Receptors for the Fc portion of Ig (Fc receptors, FcR) are found on all cell types of the immune system. Three types of FcR react with IgG: Fc gamma RI is a high-affinity receptor binding IgG monomers whereas Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII are low-affinity receptors binding IgG immune complexes; the three types of Fc gamma R are members of the Ig superfamily. Two FcR react with IgE:Fc epsilon RI is a multichain receptor binding IgE with high affinity; it is composed of an IgE-binding alpha chain, homologous to Fc gamma RIII, and of gamma and beta chains that are necessary for receptor expression and signal transduction. The low-affinity Fc epsilon RII is the only FcR described so far that is not a member of the Ig superfamily but resembles animal lectins; it is composed of a transmembrane chain with an intracytoplasmic NH2 terminus. Fc alpha R has homology with Fc gamma R and is a member of the Ig superfamily. Receptors for IgM and IgD are not characterized yet. Finally, Ig transport is made by FcR-like molecules such as the poly-Ig receptor or an MHC-like receptor found on neonatal intestine. A remarkable property of most FcR is the fact that they are released in cell supernatants and circulate in biological fluids as immunoglobulin binding factors (IBF) generated either by cleavage at the cell membrane or by splicing of FcR transmembrane exon. Immunoglobulin binding factors may interfere with Ig-mediated functions and have direct immunoregulatory activities. Involvement of FcR or IBF has been postulated in several diseases, and monoclonal antibodies to FcR are beginning to be used in therapeutics, particularly to target cytotoxic effector lymphocytes and monocytes to tumor cells.     

免疫融合蛋白sFcεRIα/mIg(IgG2)的研制

哮喘、过敏性鼻炎、特应性皮炎及食物过敏等疾病为一类常见疾病,但存在治疗效果不佳,患者病程长等特点。IgE 分子是导致过敏性疾病的关键分子。抑制IgE分子与效应细胞膜表面FcεRI受体的结合可抑制过敏反应的发生。通过克隆FcεRI受体α亚基的cDNA与IgG2的稳定区铰链区、CH2和CH3的cDNA连接,以二聚化融合蛋白sFcεRIα/mIg(IgG2)的形式在CHO细胞中表达,达到提高sFcεRIα生物半衰期的目的。表达载体构建和初步的功能性试验等一系列研究证实,所表达的融合蛋白的分子量为170kDa,并与人IgE和鼠IgE有较好的结合活性。这些研究为该融合蛋白最终实现产业化打下良好基础。     

Kinetics of ligand binding to the type 1 Fc epsilon receptor on mast cells

Rates of association and dissociation of several specific monovalent ligands to and from the type I Fc epsilon receptor (Fc epsilon RI) were measured on live mucosal type mast cells of the rat line RBL-2H3. The ligands employed were a monoclonal murine IgE and Fab fragments prepared from three different, Fc epsilon RI-specific monoclonal IgG class antibodies. These monoclonals (designated H10, J17, and F4) were shown previously to trigger mediator secretion by RBL-2H3 mast cells upon binding to and dimerization of the Fc epsilon RI. Analysis of the kinetics shows that the minimal mechanism to which all data can be fitted involves two consecutive steps: namely, ligand binding to a low-affinity state of the receptor, followed by a conformational transition into a second, higher affinity state h of the receptor-ligand complex. These results resolve the recently noted discrepancy between the affinity of IgE binding to the Fc epsilon RI as determined by means of binding equilibrium measurements [Ortega et al. (1988) EMBO J. 7, 4101] and the respective parameter derived from the ratio of the rate constant of rat IgE dissociation and the initial rate of rat IgE association [Wank et al. (1983) Biochemistry 22, 954]. The probability of undergoing the conformational transition differs for the four different Fc epsilon RI-ligand complexes: while binding of Fab-H10 and IgE favors the h state, binding of Fab-J17 and Fab-F4 preferentially maintains the low-affinity 1 state (at 25 degrees C). The temperature dependence of the ligand interaction kinetics with the Fc epsilon RI shows that the activation barrier for ligand association is determined by positive enthalpic and entropic contributions. The activation barrier of the 1----h transition, however, has negative enthalpic contributions counteracted by a decrease in activation entropy. The h----1 transition encounters a barrier that is predominantly entropic and similar for all ligands employed, thus suggesting that the Fc epsilon RI undergoes a similar conformational transition upon binding any of the ligands.     

Human neutrophils express the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (Fc epsilon RI): role in asthma.

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are important effector cells in host defense and the inflammatory response to antigen. The involvement of PMNs in inflammation is mediated mainly by the Fc receptor family, including IgE receptors. Recently, PMNs were shown to express two IgE receptors (CD23/Fc epsilon RII and galectin-3). In allergic diseases, the dominant role of IgE has been mainly ascribed to its high-affinity receptor, Fc epsilon RI. We have examined the expression of Fc epsilon RI by PMNS: mRNA and cell surface expression of Fc epsilon RI alpha chain was identified on PMNs from asthmatic subjects. Furthermore, preincubation with human IgE Fc fragment blocks completely the binding of anti-Fc epsilon RI alpha chain (mAb15--1) to human PMNS: Conversely, preincubation of PMNs with mAb15--1 inhibits significantly the binding of IgE Fc fragment to PMNs, indicating that IgE bound to the cell surface of PMNs mainly via the Fc epsilon RI. Peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) PMNs from asthmatic subjects also express intracellular Fc epsilon RI alpha and beta chain immunoreactivity. Engagement of Fc epsilon RI induces the release of IL-8 by PMNS: Collectively, these observations provide new evidence that PMNs express the Fc epsilon RI and suggest that these cells may play a role in allergic inflammation through an IgE-dependent activation mechanism.     

Gene mapping of the three subunits of the high affinity FcR for IgE to mouse chromosomes 1 and 19

The high affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI) is a tetrameric structure consisting of a single IgE-binding alpha subunit, a single beta subunit, and two disulfide-linked gamma subunits. The alpha subunit of Fc epsilon RI and most Fc receptors are homologous members of the Ig superfamily. By contrast, the beta and gamma subunits from Fc epsilon RI are not homologous to the Ig superfamily. The gamma-chains do share a region of high homology with the zeta-chain of the TCR. No homology has been found to date for beta with any published sequence. Here, we report that a single copy gene encodes Fc epsilon RI beta and that the locus for Fc epsilon RI beta is found on mouse chromosome 19, genetically linked to the Ly-1 (Ly-12) locus and in a region that also contains Ly-10 and Ly-44 (CD20). Homology comparisons among these molecules reveal limited regions of homology between Fc epsilon RI beta and Ly-44 (CD20) as well as other striking similarities: both molecules have four putative transmembrane segments and a probably topology where both amino- and carboxytermini protrude into the cytoplasm. In addition, we show that a single gene for FC epsilon RI gamma is found at the distal end of mouse chromosome 1, clustered in a region where Fc epsilon RI alpha has also been linked to Fc gamma RII. At least one of the two forms of Fc gamma RII has recently been shown to contain gamma subunits identical to the gamma subunits of Fc epsilon RI. The close association of the genes for Fc epsilon RI alpha, FC gamma RII, and their shared gamma subunits raises interesting implications regarding coordinate regulation of gene expression.     

Monoclonal antibodies that inhibit IgE binding

Four monoclonal antibodies were produced that inhibit IgE binding to the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon R) on rat basophilic leukemia cells. The four monoclonal antibodies (mAb) fall into two groups. The first group was comprised of 3 antibodies (mAb BC4, mAb CD3, and mAb CA5) that reacted with the Fc epsilon R at epitopes close or identical to the IgE-binding site. With 125I-labeled antibodies there was reciprocal cross-inhibition between the antibodies and IgE. The antibodies activated both RBL-2H3 cells and normal rat mast cells for histamine release. The 3 antibodies immunoprecipitated the previously described alpha, beta, and gamma components of the receptor. The number of radiolabeled Fab fragments of 2 of these antibodies bound per cell was similar or equal to the number of IgE receptors. In contrast, the mAb BC4 Fab bound to 2.1 +/- 0.4 times the number of IgE receptor sites. Therefore, the portion of the Fc epsilon R exposed on the cell surface must have two identical epitopes and an axis of symmetry. These 3 monoclonal antibodies recognize different but closely related epitopes in the IgE-binding region of the Fc epsilon R. The fourth monoclonal antibody (mAb AA4) had different characteristics. In cross-inhibition studies, IgE and the other 3 monoclonals did not inhibit the binding of this 125I-labeled monoclonal antibody. The number of molecules of this antibody bound per cell was approximately 14-fold greater than the Fc epsilon R number. This monoclonal antibody caused the inhibition of histamine release and it appears to bind to several cell components.     

Ala12]MCD peptide: a lead peptide to inhibitors of immunoglobulin E binding to mast cell receptors.

An effort was made to discover mast cell degranulating (MCD) peptide analogs that bind with high affinity to mast cell receptors without triggering secretion of histamine or other mediators of the allergic reaction initiated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) after mast cell activation. Such compounds could serve as inhibitors of IgE binding to mast cell receptors. An alanine scan of MCD peptide reported previously showed that the analog [Ala12]MCD was 120-fold less potent in histamine-releasing activity and fivefold more potent in binding affinity to mast cell receptors than the parent MCD peptide. Because this analog showed marginal intrinsic activity and good binding affinity it was subsequently tested in the present study as an IgE inhibitor. In contrast to MCD peptide, [Ala12]MCD showed a 50% inhibition of IgE binding to the Fc epsilon RI alpha mast cell receptor by using rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) mast cells and fluorescence polarization. Furthermore, in a beta-hexosaminidase secretory assay, the peptide also showed a 50% inhibition of the secretion of this enzyme caused by IgE. An attempt was made to relate structural changes and biologic differences between the [Ala12]MCD analog and the parent MCD peptide. The present results show that [Ala12]MCD may provide a base for designing agents to prevent IgE/Fc epsilon RI alpha interactions and, consequently, allergic conditions.     

The analysis of the human high affinity IgE receptor Fc epsilon Ri alpha from multiple crystal forms

We have solved the structure of the human high affinity IgE receptor, Fc epsilon RI alpha, in six different crystal forms, showing the structure in 15 different chemical environments. This database of structures shows no change in the overall shape of the molecule, as the angle between domains 1 and 2 (D1 and D2) varies little across the ensemble. However, the receptor has local conformational variability in the C' strand of D2 and in the BC loop of D1. In every crystal form, a residue inserts between tryptophan residues 87 and 110, mimicking the position of a proline from the IgE ligand. The different crystal forms reveal a distribution of carbohydrates lining the front and back surfaces of the structure. An analysis of crystal contacts in the different forms indicates regions where the molecule interacts with other proteins, and reveals a potential new binding site distal to the IgE binding site. The results of this study point to new directions for the design of molecules to inhibit the interaction of Fc epsilon RI alpha with its natural ligand and thus to prevent a primary step in the allergic response.     

Mapping of the high affinity Fc epsilon receptor binding site to the third constant region domain of IgE.

Identification of the precise region(s) on the IgE molecule that take part in the binding of IgE to its high affinity receptor (Fc epsilon RI) may lead to the design of IgE analogues able to block the allergic response. To localize the Fc epsilon RI-binding domain of mouse IgE, we attempted to confer on human IgE, which normally does not bind to the rodent receptor, the ability to bind to the rat Fc epsilon RI. Employing exon shuffling, we have expressed chimeric epsilon-heavy chain genes composed of a mouse (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetic acid (NP)-binding VH domain, and human C epsilon in which various domains were replaced by their murine counterparts. This has enabled us to test the Fc epsilon RI-binding of each mouse IgE domain while maintaining the overall conformation of the molecule. All of the chimeric IgE molecules which contain the murine C epsilon 3, bound equally to both the rodent and human receptor, as well as to monoclonal antibodies recognizing a site on IgE which is identical or very close to the Fc epsilon RI binding site. Deletion of the second constant region domain did not impair either the binding capacity of the mutated IgE or its ability to mediate mast cell degradation. These results assign the third epsilon domain of IgE as the principal region involved in the interaction with the Fc epsilon RI.     

Inhibition of IgE binding to RBL-2H3 cells by a monoclonal antibody (BD6) to a surface protein other than the high affinity IgE receptor.

A mAb was isolated (mAb BD6) that recognized a surface glycoprotein on rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3). The antibody bound to 2 x 10(6) molecules/cell and specifically blocked IgE binding (50% inhibition with 3.48 +/- 0.51 micrograms/ml; mean +/- SEM), although neither IgE nor anti-high affinity IgE receptor (anti-Fc epsilon RI) mAb blocked mAb BD6 binding to the cells. mAb BD6 did not affect the rate of dissociation of cell-bound IgE, nor did it induce or inhibit the internalization of IgE. mAb BD6 did not release histamine. However, it did cause rapid spreading of the cells. By 1 h the cells had retracted to a spherical shape with their surface covered with membranous spikes, and they could easily be detached from the tissue culture plate. These changes differed from those observed after Fc epsilon RI activation. mAb BD6 immunoprecipitated a complex of two proteins, 38 to 50 kDa and 135 kDa from 125I-surface labeled rat basophilic leukemia cells that are not subunits of Fc epsilon RI. Chemical cross-linking studies showed that these molecules are associated on the cell surface. By immunoblotting, mAb BD6 reacted with a 40-kDa protein. Therefore, mAb BD6 binds to a surface protein that is close to the Fc epsilon RI and sterically inhibits 125I-IgE binding.     

Human Fc epsilon RIalpha-specific human single-chain Fv (scFv) antibody with antagonistic activity toward IgE/Fc epsilon RIalpha-binding

The alpha-chain of Fc epsilon RI (Fc epsilon RIalpha) plays a critical role in the binding of IgE to Fc epsilon RI. A fully human antibody interfering with this interaction may be useful for the prevention of IgE-mediated allergic diseases. Here, we describe the successful isolation of a human single-chain Fv antibody specific to human Fc epsilon RIalpha using human antibody phage display libraries. Using the non-immune phage antibody libraries constructed from peripheral blood lymphocyte cDNA from 20 healthy subjects, we isolated three phage clones (designated as FcR epsilon 27, FcR epsilon 51, and FcR epsilon 70) through two rounds of biopanning selection. The purified soluble scFv, FcR epsilon 51, inhibited the binding of IgE to recombinant Fc epsilon RIalpha, although both FcR epsilon 27 and FcR epsilon 70 showed fine binding specificity to Fc epsilon RIalpha. Since FcR epsilon 51 was determined to be a monomer by HPLC, BIAcore analysis was performed. The dissociation constant of FcR epsilon 51 to Fc epsilon RIalpha was estimated to be 20 nM, i.e., fortyfold lower than that of IgE binding to Fc epsilon RIalpha (K(d) = 0.5 nM). With these characteristics, FcR epsilon 51 exhibited inhibitory activity on the release of histamine from passively sensitized human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.     

A cell surface glycoprotein of rat basophilic leukemia cells close to the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI). Similarity to human melanoma differentiation antigen ME491.

A monoclonal antibody (mAb), AD1, was isolated that recognized a cell surface protein on rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3). At high concentration, this antibody inhibited IgE-mediated but not calcium ionophore-induced histamine release (49% inhibition at 100 micrograms/ml). The mAb AD1 did not inhibit the binding of IgE or of several antibodies directed to the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI). Likewise, IgE did not inhibit mAb AD1 binding. However, several anti-Fc epsilon RI antibodies did inhibit mAb AD1 binding as intact molecules but not as Fab fragments. Therefore, the sites on the cell surface to which mAb AD1 binds are close to Fc epsilon RI. The mAb AD1 immunoprecipitated a broad, 50-60-kDa band from 125I-surface-labeled RBL-2H3 cells that upon peptide N-glycosidase F treatment was transformed into a sharp 27-kDa band. A similar 27-kDa protein was immunoprecipitated from surface-radiolabeled cells after culture with tunicamycin. Thus, the protein recognized by mAb AD1 is highly glycosylated with predominantly N-linked oligosaccharides. The N-terminal sequence of 43 amino acids was found to be different from any subunit of Fc epsilon RI but nearly identical to that of the human melanoma-associated antigen ME491. Therefore, mAb AD1 binds to a surface glycoprotein on RBL-2H3 cells sterically close to the Fc epsilon RI but distinct from the recognized subunits of the receptor.     

A soluble form of the high affinity IgE receptor, Fc-epsilon-RI, circulates in human serum

Soluble IgE receptors are potential in vivo modulators of IgE-mediated immune responses and are thus important for our basic understanding of allergic responses. We here characterize a novel soluble version of the IgE-binding alpha-chain of Fc-epsilon-RI (sFcεRI), the high affinity receptor for IgE. sFcεRI immunoprecipitates as a protein of ～40 kDa and contains an intact IgE-binding site. In human serum, sFcεRI is found as a soluble free IgE receptor as well as a complex with IgE. Using a newly established ELISA, we show that serum sFcεRI levels correlate with serum IgE in patients with elevated IgE. We also show that serum of individuals with normal IgE levels can be found to contain high levels of sFcεRI. After IgE-antigen-mediated crosslinking of surface FcεRI, we detect sFcεRI in the exosome-depleted, soluble fraction of cell culture supernatants. We further show that sFcεRI can block binding of IgE to FcεRI expressed at the cell surface. In summary, we here describe the alpha-chain of FcεRI as a circulating soluble IgE receptor isoform in human serum.     

Expression of a functional Fc epsilon RI on rat eosinophils and macrophages

Besides its crucial role in type I hypersensitivity reactions, IgE is involved in anti-parasite immunity. This role has been clearly demonstrated in both human and rat schistosomiasis, but remains controversial in the mouse. Since the cellular distribution of the high affinity IgE receptor, Fc epsilon RI, differs in humans and mice, it might explain the differences in effector function of IgE between the two species. In humans, eosinophils and macrophages induce IgE-dependent cytotoxicity toward Schistosoma mansoni larvae, which involves Fc epsilon RI in the case of eosinophils. In the present study, we have investigated the expression and function of Fc epsilon RI in rat eosinophils and macrophages. We demonstrate, by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and western blot analysis, that in rats, as in humans, a functional alpha gamma 2 trimeric Fc epsilon RI is expressed on eosinophils and macrophages. We also show that these two cell types can induce IgE-mediated, Fc epsilon RI-dependent cellular cytotoxicity toward schistosomula. These results thus provide a molecular basis for the differences observed between rat and mouse regarding IgE-mediated anti-parasite immunity.     

Death of a dogma or enforcing the artificial: monomeric IgE binding may initiate mast cell response by inducing its receptor aggregation

Several recent reports have suggested that binding monomeric IgE (mIgE) to its type 1 receptor, Fc epsilon RI, on mast cells induces important responses. These observations contradict the notion that it is the aggregation of this receptor that is essential for initiating mast cell response. In the present study, we suggest that the most probable causes for the reported observations are the experimental protocol used combined with the high expression levels of the Fc epsilon RI by mast cells. Specifically, we suggest using the published data and physicochemical calculations that the exceptionally high number of cell surface Fc epsilon RI-bound monoclonal IgE yields, in the two-dimensions of the cells' membranes, a situation where even a low affinity of these mIgE for epitopes on their own structure or on another cell surface component may lead to their aggregation. Hence, we hypothesize that the reported response to mIgE binding is a result of such an Fc epsilon RI-IgE induced aggregation.     

Reconstitution of interactions between tyrosine kinases and the high affinity IgE receptor which are controlled by receptor clustering.

High affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) signaling after contact with antigen occurs in response to receptor clustering. This paper describes methodology, based on vaccinia virus driven protein expression, for probing signaling pathways and its application to Fc epsilon RI interactions with the lyn and syk tyrosine kinases. Reconstitution of the complete tetrameric Fc epsilon RI receptor, lyn and syk in a non-hematopoietic 'null' cell line is sufficient to reconstruct clustering-controlled receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of syk, without apparent requirement for hematopoietic specific phosphatases. The src family kinase lyn phosphorylates Fc epsilon RI in response to receptor clustering, resulting in syk binding to the phosphorylated Fc epsilon RI. Lyn also participates in the tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of syk in a manner which is dependent on phosphorylated Fc epsilon RI. Using overexpression of active and dominant negative syk proteins in a mast cell line which naturally expresses Fc epsilon RI, we corroborate syk's role downstream of receptor phosphorylation, and demonstrate that syk SH2 domains protect receptor ITAMs from ongoing dephosphorylation. Based on these results, we propose that receptor clustering controls lyn-mediated Fc epsilon RI tyrosine phosphorylation by shifting a balance between phosphorylation and dephosphorylation towards accumulation of tyrosine phosphorylated Fc epsilon RI. Fc epsilon RI tyrosine phosphorylation functions to bring syk into a microenvironment where it becomes tyrosine phosphorylated and activated, thereby allowing clustering to indirectly control syk activity.     

Analysis of Fc(epsilon)RI-mediated mast cell stimulation by surface-carried antigens

Clustering of the type I receptor for IgE (Fc[epsilon]RI) on mast cells initiates a cascade of biochemical processes that result in secretion of inflammatory mediators. To determine the Fc(epsilon)RI proximity, cluster size, and mobility requirements for initiating the Fc(epsilon)RI cascade, a novel experimental protocol has been developed in which mast cells are reacted with glass surfaces carrying different densities of both antigen and bound IgE, and the cell's secretory response to these stimuli is measured. The results have been analyzed in terms of a model based on the following assumptions: 1) the glass surface antigen distribution and consequently that of the bound IgE are random; 2) Fc(epsilon)RI binding to these surface-bound IgEs immobilizes the former and saturates the latter; 3) the cell surface is formally divided into small elements, which function as a secretory stimulus unit when occupied by two or more immobilized IgE-Fc(epsilon)RI complexes; 4) alternatively, similar stimulatory units can be formed by binding of surface-carried IgE dimers to two Fc(epsilon)RI. This model yielded a satisfactory and self-consistent fitting of all of the different experimental data sets. Hence the present results establish the essential role of Fc(epsilon)RI immobilization for initiating its signaling cascade. Moreover, it provides independent support for the notion that as few as two Fc(epsilon)RIs immobilized at van der Waals contact constitute an "elementary stimulatory unit" leading to mast cell (RBL-2H3 line) secretory response.     

Intracellular expression and release of Fc epsilon RI alpha by human eosinophils.

Although Fc epsilon R have been detected on human eosinophils, levels varied from moderate to extremely low or undetectable depending on the donor and methods used. We have attempted to resolve the conflicting data by measuring levels of IgE, Fc epsilon RI, and Fc epsilon RII in or on human eosinophils from a variety of donors (n = 26) and late-phase bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (n = 5). Our results demonstrated little or no cell surface IgE or IgE receptors as analyzed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Culture of eosinophils for up to 11 days in the presence or absence of IgE and/or IL-4 (conditions that enhance Fc epsilon R on other cells) failed to induce any detectable surface Fc epsilon R. However, immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis of eosinophil lysates using mAb specific for Fc epsilon RI alpha showed a distinct band of approximately 50 kDa, similar to that found in basophils. Western blotting also showed the presence of FcR gamma-chain, but no Fc epsilon RI beta. Surface biotinylation followed by immunoprecipitation again failed to detect surface Fc epsilon RI alpha, although surface FcR gamma was easily detected. Since we were able to detect intracellular Fc epsilon RI alpha, we examined its release from eosinophils. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting demonstrated the release of Fc epsilon RI alpha into the supernatant of cultured eosinophils, peaking at approximately 48 h. We conclude that eosinophils possess a sizable intracellular pool of Fc epsilon RI alpha that is available for release, with undetectable surface levels in a variety of subjects, including those with eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE. The biological relevance of this soluble form of Fc epsilon RI alpha remains to be determined.