Identification of Fc epsilon RIneg mast cells in mouse bone marrow cell cultures. Use of a monoclonal anti-p161 antibody

The antigen presentation function of bone marrow-derived mast cells is spatiotemporally restricted to a subset expressing high levels of cell surface FcepsilonRI and MHC II

Background

At present, it is highly controversial whether pure mast cells can serve as antigen presenting cells, and it is not known whether the capacity of antigen presenting function is temporally restricted to a particular subset of differentiated mast cells. Evidence is presented for a novel surface FcεRI^hi , MHC II +, and c-kit + pure mast cell subset, temporally restricted as antigen-presenting cells in the immune axis of T-cell activation.

Results

Bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) cultured in the presence of IL-3 for three weeks are pure mast cells based on surface expression of lineage-specific marker, c-kit and FcεRI. Herein we present the first demonstration that approximately 98.7% c-kit + and FcεRI expressing BMMC, further depleted of any contaminated professional antigen-presenting cells, are still fully capable of presenting antigens, i.e., OVA protein, OVA peptide, and IgE-TNP-OVA, to OVA peptide-specific T-cell hybridomas. Notably, IgE-dependent antigen presentation is more efficient compared to that resulting from direct antigen uptake. Importantly, we present the novel finding that only surface FcεRI^hi mast cells, also expressing surface MHC II exhibited antigen-presenting function. In contrast, surface FcεRI^lo mast cells without expressing surface MHC II were not capable of antigen presentation. Interestingly, the antigen-presenting function of BMMC was irrevocably lost during the third and fourth week in IL-3 or SCF containing cultures.

Conclusions

This is the first observation to attribute a spatiotemporally restricted antigen-presenting function to a subset of three-week old pure BMMC expressing both high levels of surface FcεRI and surface MHC II. We propose that mast cells play an important role in immune deviating and/or sustaining the activation of infiltrating CD4 T-cells, and modulating T-cell mediated allergic inflammation via its flexibility to present antigens and antigen-IgE complexes.

Identification and characterization of undifferentiated mast cells in mouse bone marrow

Sequential immunomagnetic isolation with 2 monoclonal antibodies was used to purify and characterize an undifferentiated mast cell in adult mouse bone marrow that had not been previously recognized. This cell represents 0.02% of the cells in the bone marrow, is CD34(+), CD13(+), and c-kit(+), and does not express FcepsilonRI. However, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the cell contains message for the alpha and beta subunits of FcepsilonRI, mast cell-specific proteases, and carboxypeptidase A. Morphologically, this cell has a large nucleus, little cytoplasm, few cytoplasmic organelles, and no cytoplasmic granules. In vitro, in the presence of interleukin-3 (IL-3) and stem cell factor (SCF) these cells differentiate only into a granulated mast cell that now expresses CD13, c-kit, mast cell-specific gangliosides, FcepsilonRI, and binds immunoglobulin E (IgE). When injected into lethally irradiated mice, these cells are able to reconstitute the mast cell population in the spleen.

Identification and isolation of rat bone marrow-derived mast cells using the mast cell-specific monoclonal antibody AA4

Previous studies of mast cell maturation, structure, and function have been hampered by the lack of mast cell-specific markers. In this study, using a well-characterized mast cell-specific monoclonal antibody, MAb AA4, mast cells from rat bone marrow in various stages of maturation were isolated and characterized. The very immature mast cells, which have not been previously described, contained few granules and would not be recognized as mast cells by standard cytological methods. Pure populations of mast cells were isolated from the bone marrow using MAb AA4-conjugated magnetic beads. The same stages of maturation were observed in the isolated mast cells as were seen in the unfractionated bone marrow. All of these cells were immunopositive for the alpha-subunit of Fc epsilon RI, IgE, and c-kit, confirming their identity as mast cells. By direct counting of immunolabled cells and by flow cytometry, approximately 2.4% of the cells in the bone marrow are mast cells. Staining with toluidine blue and berberine sulfate, as well as RT-PCR of the cells, indicates that these cells are connective tissue-type mast cells. The use of immunological methods for identification of mast cell precursors should facilitate the study of these cells. (J Histochem Cytochem 49:219-228, 2001)

Regulation of mast cell number and function

Mast cells are complex, multifunctional cells that have unique phenotypes and growth requirements. Regulation in vitro of human mast cell growth and function differs from regulation of rodent mast cells. Human cell yields in vitro vary depending on tissue of origin, use of mononuclear or CD34+ progenitor cells, presence of cytokines, and serum-free versus serum-containing mediums. This article presents a summary of recent advances in the understanding of cytokine regulation of mast cell numbers and function in rodents and humans.

The diverse potential effector and immunoregulatory roles of mast cells in allergic disease

Mast cells are of hematopoietic origin but typically complete their maturation in peripheral connective tissues, especially those near epithelial surfaces. Mast cells express receptors that bind IgE antibodies with high affinity (FcepsilonRI), and aggregation of these FcepsilonRI by the reaction of cell-bound IgE with specific antigens induces mast cells to secrete a broad spectrum of biologically active preformed or lipid mediators, as well as many cytokines. Mast cells are widely thought to be essential for the expression of acute allergic reactions, but the importance of mast cells in late-phase reactions and chronic allergic inflammation has remained controversial. Although it is clear that many cell types may be involved in the expression of late-phase reactions and chronic allergic inflammation, studies in genetically mast cell-deficient and congenic normal mice indicate that mast cells may be critical for the full expression of certain features of late-phase reactions and may also contribute importantly to clinically relevant aspects of chronic allergic inflammation. Moreover, the pattern of cytokines that can be produced by mast cell populations, and the enhancement of such cytokine production in mast cells that have undergone IgE-dependent up-regulation of their surface expression of FcepsilonRI, suggests that mast cells may contribute to allergic diseases (and host defense) by acting as immunoregulatory cells, as well as by providing effector cell function.

IL-18, although antiallergic when administered with IL-12, stimulates IL-4 and histamine release by basophils

IL-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in natural killer cell activation and T helper 1 (Th1) cell responses. Mast cells and basophils are major inducers and effectors of allergic inflammation. Here we show that basophils and mast cells derived by culture of bone marrow cells with IL-3 for 10 days express IL-18Ralpha chain and that basophils produce large amounts of IL-4 and IL-13 in response to stimulation with IL-3 and IL-18. Injection of IL-12 and IL-18 inhibits IgE production in helminth-infected wild-type mice and abolishes the capacity of their basophils to produce IL-4 and IL-13 in response to stimulation either with IL-3 and IL-18 or with FcepsilonR cross-linkage. By contrast, this combination of cytokines actually increases IgE levels in helminth-infected IFN-gamma(-/-) mice and enhances IL-4 and IL-13 production by their basophils. Furthermore, injection of IL-18 alone enhances basophil production of IL-4 and histamine both in wild-type and IFN-gamma(-/-) mice. Thus, IL-18 has the potential to stimulate basophils but, when given with IL-12, exhibits an antiallergic action in vivo.

T helper cell type 2 cytokine-mediated comitogenic responses and CCR3 expression during differentiation of human mast cells in vitro

Mast cells (MCs) arise in situ from circulating stem cell factor (SCF)-dependent committed progenitors (PrMCs) and accumulate at sites of allergic mucosal inflammation. We hypothesized that human (h)PrMCs and their mature counterparts might share overlapping patterns of chemokine and cytokine receptor utilization with eosinophils, basophils, and T helper type 2 (Th2) lymphocytes for their homing and allergy-associated hyperplasia. We have characterized committed hPrMCs and fully mature hMCs derived in vitro from cord blood for their functional responses to chemokine and cytokine agonists germane to allergic inflammation and for their maturation-related expression of the corresponding receptors. After 4 wk of culture in the presence of recombinant stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10, the cells were characterized as hPrMCs based upon their uniform surface expression of c-kit and CD13, low-level expression of FcinRIalpha, absence of CD14 and CD16 expression, and immunoreactivity for MC chymase in >80%, and about half were immunoreactive for tryptase and metachromatic with toluidine blue. By week 9, the cells had matured into hMCs, identified by higher levels of c-kit, continued expression of CD13 and low-level FcinRIalpha, uniform toluidine blue metachromasia, and uniform immunoreactivity for both tryptase and chymase. The 4-wk-old hPrMCs expressed four chemokine receptors (CXCR2, CCR3, CXCR4, and CCR5). Each receptor mediated transient rapid calcium fluxes in response to its respective ligand. Both recombinant human eotaxin and stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha elicited chemotaxis of hPrMCs. Only CCR3 was retained on the mature 9-wk-old hMCs from among these chemokine receptors, and hMCs responded to eotaxin with a sustained calcium flux but without chemotaxis. The Th2 cytokines IL-3, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor each augmented the SCF-dependent proliferation of hPrMCs and hMCs. In contrast, the prototypical Th1 cytokine, interferon gamma, suppressed SCF-driven proliferation of both hPrMCs and hMCs. Thus, throughout their development in vitro, hMCs obey SCF-dependent, cytokine-driven mitogenic responses that reflect a Th2-type polarization characteristic of allergy and asthma. Furthermore, committed hPrMCs have a unique profile of chemokine receptor expression from among reported hematopoietic cells, including CCR3, which is shared with the other cells central to allergic inflammation (eosinophils, basophils, and Th2 lymphocytes).

Stem cell factor and interleukin-4 induce murine bone marrow cells to develop into mast cells with connective tissue type characteristics in vitro

In this study, we have developed a method to obtain mast cells with connective tissue type mast cell (CTMC) characteristics directly from mouse bone marrow (BM) cells. BM cells were grown for 3 weeks in presence of interleukin-4 (IL-4) plus stem cell factor (SCF). SCF alone poorly supported growth and development of mast cells. IL-4 dose-dependently enhanced the expression of c-kit and high-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc(epsilon)RI) on the cell surface of SCF-cultured BM cells. Furthermore, cytoplasmic granulation and histamine synthesis of BM-derived mast cells were increased in presence of IL-4 and SCF. Histochemical staining demonstrated that granules were safranin positive. BM-derived mast cells could be activated for granule exocytosis (beta-hexosaminidase release) and lipid mediator generation (LTC4 production) via Fc(epsilon)RI after sensitization with IgE and subsequent crosslinking with multivalent antigen. In addition, mast cells derived from BM cells cultured with SCF plus IL-4 could be activated by substance P, a nonimmunologic stimulus, to release beta-hexosaminidase. The results presented indicate that IL-4 and SCF both have a prominent role in the development of mast cells from murine BM cells in vitro. Mast cells can directly be derived from BM cells in presence of SCF and IL-4 and the cultured cells show typical hallmarks of CTMC, indicating that precursor cells for CTMC may be present in BM. The described culture procedure may be useful to investigate the molecular aspects of the development of committed mast cell lineages.

Cutting Edge: Generation of a Novel Stem Cell Factor-Dependent Mast Cell Progenitor

Tissue mast cell development requires stem cell factor (SCF), whereas helminth-induced intestinal mucosal mast cell hyperplasia also requires T cell-derived factors such as IL-3. We generated progenitor mast cells (PrMC) from mouse bone marrow cells (BMC) in vitro with a triad of SCF, IL-6, and IL-10 that exhibit IL-3-mediated mitogenic and maturation responses. SCF/IL-6/IL-10 transiently elicited a cell subpopulation with the phenotype (c-kithighThy-1low) of fetal blood promastocytes at 3 wk of culture that progressed within 1 wk to FcεRI-bearing PrMC, designated PrMCTriad. PrMCTriad lacked mouse mast cell carboxypeptidase A (mMC-CPA) protein, required SCF for IL-3-driven thymidine incorporation, and responded to SCF plus IL-3 with strong mMc-CPA immunoreactivity, clarifying distinct sequential roles for SCF and IL-3 in mast cell development. PrMCTriad, arising from BMC through promastocytes, are metamastocytes that acquire microenvironmentally determined phenotypic features.

The IL-1 Receptor-Related T1 Antigen Is Expressed on Immature and Mature Mast Cells and on Fetal Blood Mast Cell Progenitors

Expression of the T1 gene, also known as ST2, DER4, and Fit-1, has been shown to be associated with cell proliferation. It gives rise to two different mRNAs that encode a receptor-like protein and a soluble molecule representing the ectodomain of the receptor form. Although T1 is a member of the IL-1R family, its biologic function is currently unknown. In this study, we have analyzed the expression of the T1 surface Ag in murine hemopoietic organs. Mast cells (MCs) were shown to be the only identifiable cell lineage that expressed T1 at high levels. T1 expression was found on cultured bone marrow-derived immature MCs. Similarly, freshly isolated connective tissue-type MCs from the i.p. cavity were also shown to express high levels of T1. Interestingly, the earliest detectable committed MC precursor isolated from fetal blood (FB) at day 15.5 of gestation, but not circulating hemopoietic stem cells in FB, also expresses high level of T1. Since FB promastocytes lack expression of the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI), T1 expression precedes expression of FcεRI in MC ontogeny. The finding that the T1 Ag is selectively expressed at several stages during development of the MC lineage suggests that this cell surface molecule, in combination with the well-established markers c-Kit and FcεRI, should be valuable for studying the MC lineage.

Immunomagnetic isolation of rat bone marrow-derived and peritoneal mast cells

Mast cells are difficult to purify from heterogeneous cell populations and to preserve, especially for pre-embedding immunostaining at the ultrastructural level. We have developed a technique that permits the isolation of a pure population of mast cells suitable for immunocytochemical studies. A rat mast cell-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb AA4) conjugated to tosylactivated Dynabeads 450 was used to immunomagnetically separate mast cells from rat bone marrow and peritoneal cell suspensions. Approximately 85% of the mast cells were recovered in the positive population that comprised virtually pure mast cells. After microwave fixation, morphological examination showed that the cells were intact and retained their ultrastructural detail. Mast cells in all stages of maturation were immunolabeled with a panel of antibodies after immunomagnetic separation. The combination of immunomagnetic separation followed by immunostaining should prove useful for the study of mast cell maturation and for the characterization of other specific cell types that are present in tissues in only limited numbers.

A method to recover, enumerate and identify lymphomyeloid cells present in an inflammatory dermal site: a study in laboratory mice

We describe a new method to recover and study cells present in the dermis of mouse ear at homeostasis or after intradermal injection of disturbing agents (lipopolysaccharide or Listeria monocytogenes). The ears either left untreated or inoculated were handled and processed as culture explants of the dorsal and ventral leaflets, their dermal sides being spread on a buffered medium. Within this medium emigrate/sediment, with different kinetics: neutrophils, mononuclear phagocytes, dendritic leucocytes, T lymphocytes expressing either gamma delta or alpha beta TCRs, and other minor subsets, the identification of which deserves more relevant reagents: they are likely to be NK, mast cells, eosinophils and their local progenitors. All the major subsets were identified through a combination of immunocytochemical and flow cytometry labeling. Two examples illustrating the advantages and limitations of this new method are given: either 1 microgram of LPS or 10(4) Listeria monocytogenes were injected within the ear 48, 24, 12, 6, 3 h before ear explant culture. This ear explant culture has been further compared to the ear sheet treatment with collagenase/disease for three cell populations, the epidermal dendritic leucocytes, the gamma delta epidermal T cells as well as the alpha beta T cells recirculating within the steady state dermis. This method provides the first evidence of the existence of recirculating T CD4 lymphocytes in the mouse dermis.

Identification of a committed precursor for the mast cell lineage

Mast cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells, but the mast cell-committed precursor has not been identified. In the study presented here, a cell population in murine fetal blood that fulfills the criteria of progenitor mastocytes was identified. It is defined by the phenotype Thy-1loc-Kithi, contains cytoplasmic granules, and expresses RNAs encoding mast cell-associated proteases but lacks expression of the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor. Thy-1loc-Kithi cells generated functionally competent mast cells at high frequencies in vitro but lacked developmental potential for other hematopoietic lineages. When transferred intraperitoneally, this population reconstituted the peritoneal mast cell compartment of genetically mast cell-deficient W/Wv mice to wild-type levels.