When is a mouse basophil not a basophil?
The identification and characterization of mouse basophils have historically been hampered by the extreme rarity of this cell type. Virtually no photomicrographs of hematologically stained (eg, Wright-Giemsa) examples of mouse basophils exist in the literature. However, 4 recent studies in the past 2 years have used flow cytometry and a defined set of cell-surface markers to identify and subsequently isolate mouse "basophils," including the publication of stained cytospin preparations of these cells. Surprisingly, a reevaluation of the data from all 4 of the studies revealed several issues of concern that suggest that the cells under study are not necessarily basophils. Nonetheless, we propose that these studies do provide the foundation for a reevaluation of the defining characteristics of a basophil and/or provide support for the provocative conclusion that a new previously overlooked leukocyte subtype has been identified. The purpose of this commentary is to revisit these previously published studies, highlight the relevant issues, and provide a different perspective in the hope of developing a consensus within the research community as to the true identity of the "basophils" described in these studies.
Lee
James J
JJ
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale 85259, and Animal Care and Technologies, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA. jjlee@mayo.edu
McGarry
Michael P
MP
D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D001491:Basophils / Q000166:cytology*; D015415:Biomarkers; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology; D051379:Mice
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D015415:Biomarkers