Basophils are not the key antigen-presenting cells in allergic patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent data obtained in mouse models have initiated a controversy whether basophils are the key antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in allergy. Here, we investigate whether basophils are of importance for the presentation of allergen and the induction of T cell proliferation in allergic patients.

Methods

T cells, basophils, and APCs depleted of basophils were purified from allergic patients. Co-culture systems based on purified major allergens were established to study allergen-specific T cell responses using proliferation assays.

Results

Only co-cultures of T cells with APCs depleted of basophils but not with basophils proliferated in response to allergen. Even addition of IL-3 to T cell-basophil co-cultures failed to induce allergen-specific T cell proliferat

SUBMITTER: Eckl-Dorna J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4601523 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature