Combined analysis of intracellular signalling and immunophenotype of human peripheral blood basophils by flow cytometry: a proof of concept.
BACKGROUND
The signal transduction pathways and control mechanisms involved in IgE-mediated basophil activation remain incompletely understood.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether basophilic intracellular signal transduction and immunophenotype can be analysed simultaneously by flow cytometry.


METHODS
Basophils in whole blood were stimulated with anti-IgE and latex antigen at various concentrations and during different time courses. Phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) as a representative of the intracellular signal transduction pathway and surface expression of CD63 was assessed simultaneously flow cytometrically. The effect of pre-incubation with IL-3 was assessed.


RESULTS
Stimulation of the basophils with anti-IgE and allergen induces a rapid phosphorylation of p38 MAPK that peaks between 1 and 5 min and returns to baseline levels after 60 min. In contrast, CD63 up-regulation demonstrates a maximal but more continuous expression that peaks approximately 5 min later than phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Specific inhibition of p38 MAPK reduced or almost completely abrogated up-regulation of CD63. Pre-incubation of the basophils with IL-3 produces a rapid p38 MAPK phosphorylation over basal levels, but this was weaker and shorter than for anti-IgE stimulation. Pre-incubation of the basophils with IL-3 did not potentiate anti-IgE-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and did affect spontaneous or IgE-mediated CD63 up-regulation.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides the proof that the flow cytometer allows an integrated analysis of basophilic intracellular signalling and immunophenotyping. Owing to its technical simplicity, the low number of cells required and rapid analysis, the technique seems promising for use in the clinic as a diagnostic tool or to monitor therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first to provide evidence for a combined analysis of basophilic intracellular signalling and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry. Owing to its technical simplicity, the low number of cells required and rapid analysis, the technique seems promising for use in the clinic as a diagnostic tool or to monitor therapy.
Ebo
D G
DG
Department of Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Dombrecht
E J
EJ
Bridts
C H
CH
Aerts
N E
NE
de Clerck
L S
LS
Stevens
W J
WJ
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D001491:Basophils / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000819:agonists / Q000276:immunology; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D016130:Immunophenotyping / Q000379:methods*; D007377:Interleukin-3 / Q000494:pharmacology; D007700:Kinetics; D007840:Latex / Q000494:pharmacology; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D011725:Pyridines / Q000494:pharmacology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012503:Saponins / Q000494:pharmacology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013696:Temperature; D060149:Tetraspanin 30; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD; C554586:CD63 protein, human; D007093:Imidazoles; D007377:Interleukin-3; D007840:Latex; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011725:Pyridines; D012503:Saponins; D060149:Tetraspanin 30; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; C093642:SB 203580