Basophil Activation Antigens: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Basophil activation is a key finding in allergic reactions and also observed quite frequently in infectious dis- eases and autoimmune disorders. In allergic reactions, basophil-derived mediators such as histamine, contribute essen- tially to clinical symptoms. During IgE-dependent degranulation of basophils, a number of cell surface membrane and cy- toplasmic molecules become activated, show altered expression, or are translocated into the cell surface. Although little is known so far about the exact role of these activation-linked cell surface antigens, several of them are employed as diag- nostic parameters in allergic disorders. Other molecules are involved in the process of signalling and the consecutive re- lease of pro-allergic mediators, and have therefore been proposed as potential targets of therapy. The current article pro- vides a summary on activation-linked cell surface and cytoplasmic antigens in basophils, with special reference to poten- tial mechanisms underlying re-translocation or over-expression in activated cells, relevant signalling pathways, and clini- cal implications. This study was supported by: Fonds zur Forderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung in Osterreich, SFB grant # 018-20.