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FcεRI is the primary receptor in mast cells that mediates allergic reactions by inducing rapid release of mediators, an adaptive immune response that might have evolved as a host defense against parasites and venoms. Yet it is apparent that mast cells are also activated through non-IgE receptors, the significance of which is just beginning to be understood. This includes the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2, which might contribute to reactions to diverse antimicrobials and polybasic compounds, and the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor E2, variants of which are associated with familial vibratory urticaria and are activated by mechanical vibration. Similarly, mast cells have long been recognized as the main repository for histamine, heparin, and proteases. Recent evidence also points to new functions, modes of delivery, and mechanisms of action of mast cell proteases that add new dimensions to the roles of mast cells in human biology. In addition, exposure of mast cells to environmental cues can quantitatively and qualitatively modulate their responses and thus their effect on allergic inflammation. Illustrating this paradigm, we summarize a number of recent studies implicating the injury/tissue damage cytokine IL-33 as a modulator of allergen-induced mast cell responses. We also discuss the discovery of markers associated with transformed mast cells and new potential directions in suppressing mast cell activity.

Allergic diseases are driven by activation of mast cells and release of mediators in response to IgE-directed antigens. However, there are no drugs currently available that can specifically down-regulate mast cell function in vivo when chronically administered. Here, we describe an innovative approach for targeting mast cells in vitro and in vivo using antisense oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping of the β-subunit of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRIβ) to eliminate surface high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) expression and function, rendering mast cells unresponsive to IgE-mediated activation. As FcεRIβ expression is restricted to mast cells and basophils, this approach would selectively target these cell types. Given the success of exon skipping in clinical trials to treat genetic diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, we propose that exon skipping of FcεRIβ is a potential approach for mast cell-specific treatment of allergic diseases.

Following antigen/IgE-mediated aggregation of high affinity IgE-receptors (FceRI), mast cells (MCs) degranulate and release inflammatory mediators leading to the induction of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Migration of MCs to resident tissues and sites of inflammation is regulated by tissue chemotactic factors such as stem cell factor (SCF (KIT ligand)). Despite inducing similar early signaling events to antigen, chemotactic factors, including SCF, produce minimal degranulation in the absence of other stimuli. We therefore investigated whether processes regulating MC chemotaxis are rate limiting for MC mediator release. To investigate this issue, we disrupted actin polymerization, a requirement for MC chemotaxis, with latrunculin B and cytochalasin B, then examined chemotaxis and mediator release in human (hu)MCs induced by antigen or SCF. As expected, such disruption minimally affected early signaling pathways, but attenuated SCF-induced human mast cell chemotaxis. In contrast, SCF, in the absence of other stimuli, induced substantial degranulation in a concentration-dependent manner following actin disassembly. It also moderately enhanced antigen-mediated human mast cell degranulation which was further enhanced in the presence of SCF. These observations suggest that processes regulating cell migration limit MC degranulation as a consequence of cytoskeletal reorganization.

SummaryHuman linkage analyses have implicated the MS4A2-containing gene locus (encoding FcεRIβ) as a candidate for allergy susceptibility. We have identified a truncation of FcεRIβ (t-FcεRIβ) in humans that contains a putative calmodulin-binding domain and thus, we sought to identify the role of this variant in mast cell function. We determined that t-FcεRIβ is critical for microtubule formation and degranulation and that it may perform this function by trafficking adaptor molecules and kinases to the pericentrosomal and Golgi region in response to Ca2+ signals. Mutagenesis studies suggest that calmodulin binding to t-FcεRIβ in the presence of Ca2+ could be critical for t-FcεRIβ function. In addition, gene targeting of t-FcεRIβ attenuated microtubule formation, degranulation, and IL-8 production downstream of Ca2+ signals. Therefore, t-FcεRIβ mediates Ca2+-dependent microtubule formation, which promotes degranulation and cytokine release. Because t-FcεRIβ has this critical function, it represents a therapeutic target for the downregulation of allergic inflammation.

IL-33 is elevated in afflicted tissues of patients with mast cell (MC)–dependent chronic allergic diseases. Based on its acute effects on mouse MCs, IL-33 is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of allergic disease through MC activation. However, the manifestations of prolonged IL-33 exposure on human MC function, which best reflect the conditions associated with chronic allergic disease, are unknown. In this study, we found that long-term exposure of human and mouse MCs to IL-33 results in a substantial reduction of MC activation in response to Ag. This reduction required >72 h exposure to IL-33 for onset and 1–2 wk for reversion following IL-33 removal. This hyporesponsive phenotype was determined to be a consequence of MyD88-dependent attenuation of signaling processes necessary for MC activation, including Ag-mediated calcium mobilization and cytoskeletal reorganization, potentially as a consequence of downregulation of the expression of phospholipase Cγ1 and Hck. These findings suggest that IL-33 may play a protective, rather than a causative, role in MC activation under chronic conditions and, furthermore, reveal regulated plasticity in the MC activation phenotype. The ability to downregulate MC activation in this manner may provide alternative approaches for treatment of MC-driven disease.

Mast cells, activated by Ag via FcεRI, release an array of proinflammatory mediators that contribute to allergic disorders, such as asthma and anaphylaxis. The KIT ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), is critical for mast cell expansion, differentiation, and survival, and under acute conditions, it enhances mast cell activation. However, extended SCF exposure in vivo conversely protects against fatal Ag-mediated anaphylaxis. In investigating this dichotomy, we identified a novel mode of regulation of the mast cell activation phenotype through SCF-mediated programming. We found that mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells chronically exposed to SCF displayed a marked attenuation of FcεRI-mediated degranulation and cytokine production. The hyporesponsive phenotype was not a consequence of altered signals regulating calcium flux or protein kinase C, but of ineffective cytoskeletal reorganization with evidence implicating a downregulation of expression of the Src kinase Hck. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a major role for SCF in the homeostatic control of mast cell activation with potential relevance to mast cell-driven disease and the development of novel approaches for the treatment of allergic disorders.

Mast cells are critical for various allergic disorders. Mast cells express Src family kinases, which relay positive and negative regulatory signals by Ag. Lyn, for example, initiates activating signaling events, but it also induces inhibitory signals. Fyn and Hck are reported to be positive regulators, but little is known about the roles of other Src kinases, including Fgr, in mast cells. In this study, we define the role of Fgr. Endogenous Fgr associates with FcεRI and promotes phosphorylation of Syk, Syk substrates, which include linkers for activation of T cells, SLP76, and Gab2, and downstream targets such as Akt and the MAPKs in Ag-stimulated mast cells. As a consequence, Fgr positively regulates degranulation, production of eicosanoids, and cytokines. Fgr and Fyn appeared to act in concert, as phosphorylation of Syk and degranulation are enhanced by overexpression of Fgr and further augmented by overexpression of Fyn but are suppressed by overexpression of Lyn. Moreover, knockdown of Fgr by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) further suppressed degranulation in Fyn-deficient bone marrow-derived mast cells. Overexpression of Fyn or Fgr restored phosphorylation of Syk and partially restored degranulation in Fyn-deficient cells. Additionally, knockdown of Fgr by siRNAs inhibited association of Syk with FcεRIγ as well as the tyrosine phosphorylation of FcεRIγ. Of note, the injection of Fgr siRNAs diminished the protein level of Fgr in mice and simultaneously inhibited IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. In conclusion, Fgr positively regulates mast cell through activation of Syk. These findings help clarify the interplay among Src family kinases and identify Fgr as a potential therapeutic target for allergic diseases.

Mast cells are multifunctional cells that initiate not only IgE-dependent allergic diseases but also play a fundamental role in innate and adaptive immune responses to microbial infection. They are also thought to play a role in angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, wound healing, and tumor repression or growth. The broad scope of these physiologic and pathologic roles illustrates the flexible nature of mast cells, which is enabled in part by their phenotypic adaptability to different tissue microenvironments and their ability to generate and release a diverse array of bioactive mediators in response to multiple types of cell-surface and cytosolic receptors. There is increasing evidence from studies in cell cultures that release of these mediators can be selectively modulated depending on the types or groups of receptors activated. The intent of this review is to foster interest in the interplay among mast cell receptors to help understand the underlying mechanisms for each of the immunological and non-immunological functions attributed to mast cells. The second intent of this review is to assess the pathophysiologic roles of mast cells and their products in health and disease. Although mast cells have a sufficient repertoire of bioactive mediators to mount effective innate and adaptive defense mechanisms against invading microorganisms, these same mediators can adversely affect surrounding tissues in the host, resulting in autoimmune disease as well as allergic disorders.

Prostaglandin (PG) E(2), a potent mediator produced in inflamed tissues, can substantially influence mast cell responses including adhesion to basement membrane proteins, chemotaxis, and chemokine production. However, the signaling pathways by which PGE(2) induces mast cell chemotaxis and chemokine production remains undefined. In this study, we identified the downstream target of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), as a key regulator of these responses. In mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, PGE(2) was found to induce activation of mTORC1 (mTOR complexed to raptor) as indicated by increased p70S6K and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, and activation of mTORC2 (mTOR complexed to rictor), as indicated by increased phosphorylation of AKT at position Ser(473). Selective inhibition of the mTORC1 cascade by rapamycin or by the use of raptor-targeted shRNA failed to decrease PGE(2)-mediated chemotaxis or chemokine generation. However, inhibition of the mTORC2 cascade through the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor Torin, or through rictor-targeted shRNA, resulted in a significant attenuation in PGE(2)-mediated chemotaxis, which was associated with a comparable decrease in actin polymerization. Furthermore, mTORC2 down-regulation decreased PGE(2)-induced production of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2), which was linked to a significant reduction in ROS production. These findings are consistent with the conclusion that activation of mTORC2, downstream of PI3K, represents a critical signaling locus for chemotaxis and chemokine release from PGE(2)-activated mast cells.

Background DJ-1 is a redox-sensitive protein with multiple roles in cell homeostasis, levels of which are altered in patients with mast cell (MC)–related disorders. However, whether DJ-1 can regulate human MC function is unknown. Objective We sought to investigate the potential role of DJ-1 in the responses of human MCs to antigen stimulation. Methods DJ-1 was silenced in human CD34 + -derived MCs and in the LAD2 MC line by using lentiviral short hairpin RNA constructs. Release of β-hexosaminidase, prostaglandin D 2 , and GM-CSF and changes in reactive oxygen species levels were measured after FceRI engagement. Enzymatic assays, sucrose density gradient centrifugation, immunoprecipitation, dot and Western blotting, and confocal imaging were performed for signaling, cellular localization, and coassociation studies. Results DJ-1 knockdown substantially reduced mediator release, as well as Lyn kinase and spleen tyrosine kinase activation and signaling through mechanisms that appeared largely unrelated to DJ-1 antioxidant activity. Following FceRI activation, nonoxidized rather than oxidized DJ-1 translocated to lipid rafts, where it associated with Lyn, an interaction that appeared critical for maximal Lyn activation and initiation of signaling. Using purified recombinant proteins, we demonstrated that DJ-1 directly bound to Lyn but not to other Src kinases, and this interaction was specific for human but not mouse proteins. In addition, DJ-1 reduced Src homology 2 domain–containing phosphatase 2 phosphatase activity by scavenging reactive oxygen species, thus preventing spleen tyrosine kinase dephosphorylation and perpetuating MC signaling. Conclusion We demonstrate a novel role for DJ-1 in the early activation of Lyn by FceRI, which is essential for human MC responses and provides the basis for an alternative target in allergic disease therapy.

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a recently described pro-inflammatory cytokine. Here we demonstrate IL-33 as a regulator of functional osteoclasts (OCs) from human CD14(+) monocytes. IL-33 stimulates formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)(+) multinuclear OCs from monocytes. This action was suppressed by anti-ST2 antibody, suggesting that IL-33 acts through its receptor ST2, but not by the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) decoy, osteoprotegerin, or anti-RANKL antibody. IL-33 stimulated activating phosphorylations of signaling molecules in monocytes that are critical for OC development. These included Syk, phospholipase Cγ2, Gab2, MAP kinases, TAK-1, and NF-κB. IL-33 also enhanced expression of OC differentiation factors including TNF-α receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1, c-Fos, c-Src, cathepsin K, and calcitonin receptor. IL-33 eventually induced bone resorption. This study suggests that the osteoclastogenic property of IL-33 is mediated through TRAF6 as well as the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-dependent Syk/PLCγ pathway in human CD14(+) monocytes.

Initial IgE-dependent signaling events are associated with detergent-resistant membrane microdomains. Following Ag stimulation, the IgE-receptor (FcεRI) accumulates within these domains. This facilitates the phosphorylation of FcεRI subunits by the Src kinase, Lyn, and the interaction with adaptor proteins, such as the linker for activation of T cells. Among the phospholipases (PL) subsequently activated, PLD is of interest because of its presence in lipid microdomains and the possibility that its product, phosphatidic acid, may regulate signal transduction and membrane trafficking. We find that in Ag-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells, the association of FcεRI with detergent-resistant membrane fractions is inhibited by 1-butanol, which subverts production of phosphatidic acid to the biologically inert phosphatidylbutanol. Furthermore, the knockdown of PLD2, and to a lesser extent PLD1 with small inhibitory RNAs, also suppressed the accumulation of FcεRI and Lyn in these fractions as well as the phosphorylation of Src kinases, FcεRI, linker for activation of T cells, and degranulation. These effects were accompanied by changes in distribution of the lipid microdomain component, ganglioside 1, in the plasma membrane as determined by binding of fluorescent-tagged cholera toxin B subunit and confocal microscopy in live cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that PLD activity plays an important role in promoting IgE-dependent signaling events within lipid microdomains in mast cells.

Our studies in the RBL-2H3 mast cell line suggest that responses to antigen (Ag) are negatively modulated through upregulation of Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP). Ag stimulation of RBL-2H3 cells leads to increased levels of SLAP (but not SLAP2) transcripts and protein over a period of several hours. The effects of pharmacologic inhibitors indicate that the upregulation of SLAP is dependent on multiple signaling pathways. Knockdown of SLAP with anti-SLAP siRNA is associated with enhanced phosphorylation of Syk, the linker for activation of T cells (LAT), phospholipase C gamma, MAP kinases, and various transcription factors. Production of IL-3 and MCP-1, but not degranulation, is also enhanced. The upregulation of SLAP may thus serve to limit the duration of cytokine production in Ag-stimulated cells.

Just over a century ago Paul Ehrlich received the Nobel Prize for his studies of immunity. This review describes one of his legacies, the histochemical description of the mast cell, and the research that has ensued since then. After a long period of largely descriptive studies, which revealed little about the biological role of the mast cell, the field was galvanized in the 1950s by the recognition that the mast cell was the main repository of histamine and a key participant in anaphylactic reactions. Although the mast cell was long-viewed in these terms, recent research has now shown that the mast cell also plays a key role in innate and adaptive immune responses, autoimmune disease, and possibly tissue homeostasis by virtue of its expression of a diverse array of receptors and biologically active products. In addition, the responsiveness of mast cells to immunological and pathological stimulants is highly modulated by the tissue cytokine environment and by synergistic, or inhibitory, interactions among the various mast cell receptor systems. This once enigmatic cell of Paul Ehrlich has proved to be both adaptable and multifunctional.

Glucocorticoids suppress mast cell activation by inhibiting signaling events as well as transcription of cytokine genes. The inhibition of signaling events has been attributed to upregulation of inhibitory regulators such as Src-like adaptor protein1 (SLAP), downstream of tyrosine kinase1 (Dok1), and dual specificity protein phospahatase1 (DUSP1). As reported here, the upregulation of SLAP and Dok1, but not DUSP1, in the RBL-2H3 mast cell line was inhibited by actinomycin D and was thus dependent on gene transcription. Examination of the gene sequences revealed a glucocorticoid response element (GRE) and a half GRE as potential regulators of the SLAP and Dok1, respectively. As indicated by luciferase reporter assays, SLAP GRE, but not the Dok1 half GRE, robustly activated gene transcription after treatment of cells with glucocorticoids. Binding of the glucocorticoid receptor to the SLAP GRE was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. These findings further support the notion that the immunosuppressive actions of glucocorticoids are exerted in part through upregulation of inhibitory regulators by various mechanisms. In the case of SLAP specifically, this requires activation of gene transcription through the interaction of the glucocorticoid receptor with GRE.

Background Activation of mast cells through the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcɛRI) underlies atopic allergic reactions. Curcumin can block this activation, but the mechanism and the effects of curcumin on IgE-mediated allergic reactions are unknown. Objectives We sought to determine the antiallergic activity of curcumin in vivo and its mechanism of action in mast cells. Methods The antiallergic activity of curcumin was evaluated in mast cell cultures and the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model. The effects of curcumin on mast cell signaling events were examined by using immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, RT-PCR, and other molecular biologic approaches. Results Curcumin inhibited antigen-mediated activation of mast cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice. Suppression of degranulation and secretion of TNF-α and IL-4 was apparent at concentrations as low as 3 μmol/L curcumin in activated mast cells. Similar concentrations of curcumin suppressed Syk-dependent phosphorylations of the adaptor proteins linker of activated T cells and Grb2-associated binder 2, which are critical for mast cell activation. Although curcumin did not inhibit the phosphorylation of Syk itself, it directly inhibited Syk kinase activity in vitro . Further downstream, activating phosphorylations of Akt and the mitogen-activated protein kinases p38, p44/42 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, which are critical for the production of inflammatory cytokines, were also inhibited. Conclusions Curcumin inhibits Syk kinase–dependent signaling events in mast cells and might thus contribute to its antiallergic activity. Therefore curcumin might be useful for the treatment of mast cell–related immediate and delayed allergic diseases.

Degranulation of mast cells in response to Ag or the calcium mobilizing agent, thapsigargin, is dependent on emptying of intracellular stores of Ca2+ and the ensuing influx of external Ca2+, also referred to as store-operated calcium entry. However, it is unlikely that the calcium release-activated calcium channel is the sole mechanism for the entry of Ca2+ because Sr2+ and other divalent cations also permeate and support degranulation in stimulated mast cells. In this study we show that influx of Ca2+ and Sr2+ as well as degranulation are dependent on the presence of the canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channel protein TRPC5, in addition to STIM1 and Orai1, as demonstrated by knock down of each of these proteins by inhibitory RNAs in a rat mast cell (RBL-2H3) line. Overexpression of STIM1 and Orai1, which are known to be essential components of calcium release-activated calcium channel, allows entry of Ca2+ but not Sr2+, whereas overexpression of STIM1 and TRPC5 allows entry of both Ca2+ and Sr2+. These and other observations suggest that the Sr2+-permeable TRPC5 associates with STIM1 and Orai1 in a stoichiometric manner to enhance entry of Ca2+ to generate a signal for degranulation.

Although primarily required for the growth, differentiation, and survival of mast cells, Kit ligand (stem cell factor) is also required for optimal antigen-mediated mast cell activation. Therefore, concurrent inhibition of Kit- and FcepsilonRI-mediated signaling would be an attractive approach for targeting mast cell-driven allergic reactions. To explore this concept, we examined the effects of hypothemycin, a molecule that we identified as having such properties, in human and mouse mast cells. Hypothemycin blocked Kit activation and Kit-mediated mast cell adhesion in a similar manner to the well characterized Kit inhibitor imatinib mesylate (imatinib). In contrast to imatinib, however, hypothemycin also effectively inhibited FcepsilonRI-mediated degranulation and cytokine production in addition to the potentiation of these responses via Kit. The effect of hypothemycin on Kit-mediated responses could be explained by its inhibition of Kit kinase activity, whereas the inhibitory effects on FcepsilonRI-dependent signaling were at the level of Btk activation. Because hypothemycin also significantly reduced the mouse passive cutaneous anaphylaxis response in vivo, these data provide proof of principle for a coordinated approach for the suppression of mast cell activation and provide a rationale for the development of compounds with a similar therapeutic profile.

Food allergy is a hypersensitive immune reaction to food proteins. We have previously demonstrated the presence of IL-10-producing CD5+ B cells and suggested their potential role in regulating cow’s milk casein allergy in humans and IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in mice. In this study, we determined whether IL-10-producing CD5+ regulatory B cells control casein-induced food allergic responses in mice and, if so, the underlying mechanisms. The induction of oral tolerance (OT) by casein suppressed casein-induced allergic responses including the decrease of body temperature, symptom score, diarrhea, recruitment of mast cells and eosinophils into jejunum and other biological parameters in mice. Notably, the population of IL-10-producing CD5+ B cells was increased in mesenteric lymph node (MLN), but not in spleen or peritoneal cavity (PeC) in OT mice. The adoptive transfer of CD5+ B cells from MLN, but not those from spleen and PeC, suppressed the casein-induced allergic responses in an allergen-specific and IL-10-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of IL-10-producing CD5+ B cells on casein-induced allergic response was dependent on Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Taken together, mesenteric IL-10-producing regulatory B cells control food allergy via Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and could potentially act as a therapeutic regulator for food allergy.

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) released from damaged cells plays a central role in allergic inflammation by acting through its membrane-bound receptor, ST2 receptor (ST2L). IL-33 activity can be neutralized by the soluble spliced variant of ST2 (sST2) which has been associated with allergic inflammation but its source is not well defined. We investigated whether mast cells (MCs) are a significant source of sST2 following activation through FcεRI or ST2. We find that antigen and IL-33 induce substantial production and release of sST2 from human and mouse MCs in culture and do so synergistically when added together or in combination with stem cell factor. Moreover, increases in circulating sST2 during anaphylaxis in mice were dependent on the presence of MCs. Human MCs activated via FcεRI failed to generate IL-33 and IL-33 produced by mouse bone marrow-derived MCs was retained within the cells. Therefore, FcεRI-mediated sST2 production is independent of MC-derived IL-33 acting in an autocrine manner. These results are consistent with the conclusion that both mouse and human MCs when activated are a significant inducible source of sST2 but not IL-33 and thus have the ability to modulate the biologic impact of IL-33 produced locally by other cell types during allergic inflammation.

Subsets of B cells inhibit various immune responses through their production of the cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). We found that IL-10–producing CD5 + B cells suppressed the immunoglobulin E (IgE)– and antigen-mediated activation of mast cells in vitro as well as allergic responses in mice in an IL-10–dependent manner. Furthermore, the suppressive effect of these B cells on mast cells in vitro and in vivo depended on direct cell-to-cell contact through the costimulatory receptor CD40 on CD5 + B cells and the CD40 ligand on mast cells. This contact enhanced the production of IL-10 by the CD5 + B cells. Through activation of the Janus-activated kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway, IL-10 decreased the abundance of the kinases Fyn and Fgr and inhibited the activation of the downstream kinase Syk in mast cells. Together, these findings suggest that an important function of IL-10–producing CD5 + B cells is inhibiting mast cells and IgE-mediated allergic responses.

Mast cells play a pivotal role in inflammatory and immediate-type allergic reactions by secreting a variety of potent inflammatory mediators, including sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). However, it is not known how S1P is released from cells. Here, we report that S1P is exported from mast cells independently of their degranulation and demonstrate that it is mediated by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Constitutive and antigen-stimulated S1P release was inhibited by MK571, an inhibitor of ABCC1 (MRP1), but not by inhibitors of ABCB1 (MDR-1, P-glycoprotein). Moreover, down-regulation of ABCC1 with small interfering RNA, which decreased its cell surface expression, markedly reduced S1P export from both rat RBL-2H3 and human LAD2 mast cells. Transport of S1P by ABCC1 influenced migration of mast cells toward antigen but not degranulation. These findings have important implications for S1P functions in mast cell-mediated immune responses.

We have identified Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) as one of several dexamethasone-inducible inhibitory regulators in mast cells. SLAP is a known inhibitor of T cell signaling and interacts with the tyrosine kinase, Zap70. Exposure of RBL-2H3 mast cells to dexamethasone markedly increased expression of SLAP. Cells so exposed or made to overexpress SLAP exhibited reduced Ag-stimulated phosphorylation of Syk (a cognate of Zap70), linker for activation of T cells, phospholipase Cγ, and ERK. Ca2+ mobilization, Ca2+-dependent degranulation, and ERK-dependent release of arachidonic acid were suppressed as well. Small interfering RNA directed against SLAP blocked the induction of SLAP and reversed the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on phosphorylation of Syk, linker for activation of T cells, and phospholipase Cγ, but not downstream events, which are likely suppressed by up-regulation of downstream of tyrosine kinase-1 and MAPK phosphatase-1. The induction of these inhibitory regulators may contribute to the immunosuppressive activity of dexamethasone in mast cells.

Mast cells are responsible for IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Phospholipase D1 (PLD1) and PLD2 regulate mast cell activation, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that PLD2 associates with and promotes activation of Syk, a key enzyme in mast cell activation. Antigen stimulation resulted in increased association and colocalization of Syk with PLD2 on the plasma membrane as indicated by coimmunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy. This association was dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk but not on PLD2 activity. In vitro, PLD2 interacted via its Phox homology (PX) domain with recombinant Syk to induce phosphorylation and activation of Syk. Furthermore, overexpression of PLD2 or catalytically inactive PLD2K758R enhanced antigen-induced phosphorylations of Syk and its downstream targets, the adaptor proteins LAT and SLP-76, while expression of a PLD2 siRNA blocked these phosphorylations. Apparently, the interaction of PLD2 with Syk is an early critical event in the activation of mast cells.

Stem cell factor (SCF) acts in synergy with antigen to enhance the calcium signal, degranulation, activation of transcription factors, and cytokine production in human mast cells. However, the underlying mechanisms for this synergy remain unclear. Here we show, utilizing bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) from Btk and Lyn knock-out mice, that activation of Btk via Lyn plays a key role in promoting synergy. As in human mast cells, SCF enhanced degranulation and cytokine production in BMMCs. In Btk-/- BMMCs, in which there was a partial reduction in the capacity to degranulate in response to antigen, SCF was unable to enhance the residual antigen-mediated degranulation. Furthermore, as with antigen, the ability of SCF to promote cytokine production was abrogated in the Btk-/- BMMCs. The impairment of responses in Btk-/- cells correlated with an inability of SCF to augment phospholipase Cgamma1 activation and calcium mobilization, and to phosphorylate NFkappaB and NFAT for cytokine gene transcription in these cells. Similar studies with Lyn-/- and Btk-/-/Lyn-/- BMMCs indicated that Lyn was a regulator of Btk for these responses. These data demonstrate, for the first time, that Btk is a key regulator of a Kit-mediated amplification pathway that augments Fc epsilonRI-mediated mast cell activation.

Activation of phospholipase D (PLD) and protein kinase C (PKC) as well as calcium mobilization are essential signals for degranulation of mast cells. However, the exact role of PLD in degranulation remains undefined. In this study we have tested the hypothesis that the PLD product, phosphatidic acid, and diacylglycerides generated therefrom might promote activation of PKC. Studies were conducted in two rodent mast cell lines that were stimulated with Ag via FcεRI and a pharmacologic agent, thapsigargin. Diversion of production of phosphatidic acid to phosphatidylbutanol (the transphosphatidylation reaction) by addition of l-butanol suppressed both the translocation of diacylglyceride-dependent isoforms of PKC to the membrane and degranulation. Tertiary-butanol, which is not a substrate for the transphosphatidylation, had a minimal effect on PKC translocation and degranulation, and 1-butanol itself had no effect on PKC translocation when PKC was stimulated directly with phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Also, in cells transfected with small inhibitory RNAs directed against PLD1 and PLD2, activation of PLD, generation of diacylglycerides, translocation of PKC, and degranulation were all suppressed. Phorbol ester, which did not stimulate degranulation by itself, restored degranulation when used in combination with thapsigargin whether PLD function was disrupted with 1-butanol or the small inhibitory RNAs. However, degranulation was not restored when cells were costimulated with Ag and phorbol ester. These results suggested that the production of phosphatidic acid by PLD facilitates activation of PKC and, in turn, degranulation, although additional PLD-dependent processes appear to be critical for Ag-mediated degranulation.

In human mast cells, derived from CD34+ peripheral blood cells, we observed that Kit ligand (KL) failed to induce degranulation but acted in synergy with antigen to markedly enhance degranulation, levels of cytokine gene transcripts, and production of cytokines. Further examination revealed that antigen and KL activated common and unique signaling pathways to account for these varied responses. KL, unlike antigen, failed to activate protein kinase C but activated phospholipase Cγ and calcium mobilization and augmented these signals as well as degranulation when added together with antigen. Both KL and antigen induced signals that are associated with cytokine production, namely phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3–kinase–dependent phosphorylation of protein kinase B (also known as Akt), and phosphorylation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB). However, only KL stimulated phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) and STAT6, whereas antigen weakly stimulated the protein kinase C–dependent induction and phosphorylation of c-Jun and associated activating protein-1 (AP-1) components, an action that was markedly potentiated by costimulation with KL. Interestingly, most signals were down-regulated on continuous exposure to KL but were reactivated along with cytokine gene transcription on addition of antigen. The findings, in total, indicated that a combination of FcϵRI and Kit-mediated signals and transcriptional processes were required for optimal physiologic responses of human mast cells to antigen.

Phospholipase D (PLD) is activated via receptors in a wide variety of cells where it is thought to regulate intracellular signaling processes and functions such as membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal organization, and degranulation of mast cells (reviewed in references 15, 25, and 31). PLD catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine to form phosphatidic acid, which is rapidly converted to other biologically active molecules, namely, lysophosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol. In the presence of relatively low concentrations of primary alcohols, the production of phosphatidic acid is diverted to more metabolically inert phosphatidylalcohols by transphosphatidylation, a reaction that is unique to PLD and one that is utilized in the assay of PLD in vivo (39) and to unmask the physiologic roles of phosphatidic acid (62). Two isoforms of PLD have been cloned, PLD1 and PLD2, with PLD1 existing as two variants, PLD1a and PLD1b (11, 21). PLD1 is activated in vitro by small GTPases such as ARF and Rho and protein kinase C (PKC) α in the presence of phosphatidylinositol 1,4-bisphosphate (PIP2) (4, 21, 37, 43, 55). There is also evidence that PLD1 can be regulated in vivo by Rho kinase (48), Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (35), and PKC in a catalytically dependent or independent manner (21, 26, 63). PLD2, in contrast, is activated in vitro by PIP2 alone, and this activity is minimally affected by the small GTPases or PKCα (11, 32, 54). However, the mechanisms regulating PLD2 activity in vivo are unclear. There are reports of tyrosine phosphorylation of PLD1 (33, 36) and PLD2 (1, 44, 51) and indications from pharmacological studies that tyrosine phosphorylation may regulate PLD activity (6, 27, 36, 44). In addition, PLD2 was shown to associate with, and be phosphorylated by, the tyrosine kinase receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) (51) and by Src kinase (1, 42). Nevertheless, the role of such phosphorylation is uncertain. Although tyrosine-11 was identified as the specific residue phosphorylated in PLD2, mutation of this site enhanced basal PLD2 activity but had no effect on the magnitude of the PLD2 response to EGF (51). Mast cells and blood basophils are responsible for a variety of allergic disorders (5, 59). These cells respond to immunoglobulin E (IgE)-directed antigens via the high-affinity receptor for IgE, namely, FcɛRI, by release of granules that contain preformed inflammatory mediators and the generation of inflammatory lipids and cytokines. PLD is thought to play an essential role in mast cell degranulation (7, 10, 58). PLD is activated in isolated mast cells (12) and cultured mast cell lines (10, 28, 30) by a variety of stimulants, including antigen. Cross-linking of the IgE/FcɛRI complex with antigen results in the recruitment and activation of Src kinases and subsequently other tyrosine kinases. The function of the individual PLD isoforms in mast cells has been studied in the RBL-2H3 cell line, which is now known to be an analog of rat mucosal mast cells (49). Studies with transiently expressed forms of both PLDs in RBL-2H3 cells indicate that PLD1b and PLD2 associate with granule membranes and the plasma membrane, respectively (7, 9), and that both isoforms are activated upon antigen stimulation (8, 40). The mechanisms of activation of these PLDs by antigen are unknown. However, the location of PLD2 at the plasma membrane makes this isoform particularly accessible to FcɛRI-associated tyrosine kinases. As reported here, activation of PLD and degranulation in antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells is inhibited by low concentrations of the Src kinase inhibitor PP2. We investigated whether Src kinases regulate PLD directly by tyrosine phosphorylation and, if so, whether this phosphorylation is essential for degranulation. We show by coexpression studies, site-directed mutagenesis, and the use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) directed against Src kinases that Fyn and Fgr phosphorylate PLD2 but not PLD1b in vitro and in vivo and that this phosphorylation is required for the activation of PLD2 in vivo. Furthermore, suppression of this phosphorylation or the activation of PLD2 itself by various strategies also results in suppression of degranulation in stimulated RBL-2H3 cells.

Mast cell degranulation following Fc epsilon RI aggregation is generally believed to be dependent on phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)-mediated phospholipase C (PLC)gamma activation. Here we report evidence that the PLC gamma 1-dependent pathway of Fc epsilon RI-mediated activation of mast cells is independent of PI 3-kinase activation. In primary cultures of human mast cells, Fc epsilon RI aggregation induced a rapid translocation and phosphorylation of PLC gamma 1, and subsequent inositol trisphosphate (IP3) production, which preceded PI 3-kinase-related signals. In addition, although PI 3-kinase-mediated responses were completely inhibited by wortmannin, even at high concentrations, this PI 3-kinase inhibitor had no effect on parameters of Fc epsilon RI-mediated PLC gamma activation, and had little effect on the initial increase in intracellular calcium levels that correlated with PLC gamma activation. Wortmannin, however, did produce a partial (approximately 50%) concentration-dependent inhibition of Fc epsilon RI-mediated degranulation in human mast cells and a partial inhibition of the later calcium response at higher concentrations. Further studies, conducted in mast cells derived from the bone marrow of mice deficient in the p85 alpha and p85 beta subunits of PI 3-kinase, also revealed no defects in Fc epsilon RI-mediated PLC gamma 1 activation. These data are consistent with the conclusion that the PLC gamma-dependent component of Fc epsilon RI-mediated calcium flux leading to degranulation of mast cells is independent of PI 3-kinase. However, PI 3-kinase may contribute to the later phase of Fc epsilon RI-mediated degranulation in human mast cells.

Functions attributed to phospholipase (PL) D include the regulation of intracellular trafficking of Golgi-derived vesicles and secretion of granules from mast cells. We have reported that activation of PLD and secretion in a rat mast cell (RBL-2H3) line is substantially enhanced by cholera toxin, a known activator of protein kinase (PK) A. Here we review the evidence that (1) the synergistic interactions of cholera toxin and other pharmacological agents on mast cell secretion are attributable to the synergistic activation of PLD via PKA, CaM kinase II, and PKC and (2) both PLD1 and PLD2 participate in this process. For example, treatment with cholera toxin, thapsigargin, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (which activate PKA, CaM kinase II, and PKC, respectively) exhibit synergy in the stimulation of both PLD and secretion. These kinases and PLD are likely confined to membrane components, as similar synergistic interactions could be demonstrated in permeabilized cells. The regulation of PLD and secretion by these kinases is also apparent from studies of inhibitors of PKA and other kinases. Also, by overexpression of either PLD1 or PLD2 it is apparent that both isoforms respond to the same stimuli as endogenous PLD, although PLD1 is largely associated with secretory granules and PLD2 with plasma membrane. The studies reveal interesting differences in the regulation of the translocation of granules (regulated by PKA) and the fusion of these granules with the plasma membrane (regulated by Ca(2+) and PKC). The pathological/physiological implications of the regulation of PLD by PKA require further evaluation in other cell systems.

Rictor is a regulatory component of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 2 (mTORC2). We have previously demonstrated that rictor expression is substantially downregulated in terminally differentiated mast cells as compared with their immature or transformed counterparts. However, it is not known whether rictor and mTORC2 regulate mast cell activation. In this article, we show that mast cell degranulation induced by aggregation of high-affinity receptors for IgE (FcεRI) is negatively regulated by rictor independently of mTOR. We found that inhibition of mTORC2 by the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor Torin1 or by downregulation of mTOR by short hairpin RNA had no impact on FcεRI-induced degranulation, whereas downregulation of rictor itself resulted in an increased sensitivity (∼50-fold) of cells to FcεRI aggregation with enhancement of degranulation. This was linked to a similar enhancement in calcium mobilization and cytoskeletal rearrangement attributable to increased phosphorylation of LAT and PLCγ1. In contrast, degranulation and calcium responses elicited by the G protein–coupled receptor ligand, C3a, or by thapsigargin, which induces a receptor-independent calcium signal, was unaffected by rictor knockdown. Overexpression of rictor, in contrast with knockdown, suppressed FcεRI-mediated degranulation. Taken together, these data provide evidence that rictor is a multifunctional signaling regulator that can regulate FcεRI-mediated degranulation independently of mTORC2.

MS4A4 traffics through endocytic recycling pathways and stabilizes surface KIT expression by regulating endocytosis and recycling. Silencing MS4A4 reduces KIT recruitment to lipid raft microdomains and PLCg1 signaling while promoting AKT signaling, cell migration, and proliferation. This study is the first to describe functions for human MS4A4., MS4A family members differentially regulate the cell cycle, and aberrant, or loss of, expression of MS4A family proteins has been observed in colon and lung cancer. However, the precise functions of MS4A family proteins and their mechanistic interactions remain unsolved. Here we report that MS4A4 facilitates trafficking of the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT through endocytic recycling rather than degradation pathways by a mechanism that involves recruitment of KIT to caveolin-1–enriched microdomains. Silencing of MS4A4 in human mast cells altered ligand-induced KIT endocytosis pathways and reduced receptor recycling to the cell surface, thus promoting KIT signaling in the endosomes while reducing that in the plasma membrane, as exemplified by Akt and PLCγ1 phosphorylation, respectively. The altered endocytic trafficking of KIT also resulted in an increase in SCF-induced mast cell proliferation and migration, which may reflect altered signaling in these cells. Our data reveal a novel function for MS4A family proteins in regulating trafficking and signaling, which could have implications in both proliferative and immunological diseases.

We have investigated possible factors that underlie changes in the production of eicosanoids after prolonged exposure of mast cells to Ag. Ag stimulation of cultured RBL-2H3 mast cells resulted in increased expression of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) protein and message. Other eicosanoid-related enzymes, namely COX-1, 5-lipoxygenase, and cytosolic phospholipase A2 were not induced. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase preceded the induction of COX-2, whereas phosphatidylinositol 3′ kinase and its substrate, Akt, were constitutively activated in RBL-2H3 cells. Studies with pharmacologic inhibitors indicated that of these kinases, only p38 MAP kinase regulated expression of COX-2. The induction of COX-2 was blocked by the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB202190, even when added 12–16 h after stimulation with Ag when p38 MAP kinase activity had returned to near basal, but still minimally elevated, levels. Interestingly, expression of COX-2 as well as cytosolic phospholipase A2 and 5-lipoxygenase were markedly reduced by SB202190 in unstimulated cells. Collectively, the results imply that p38 MAP kinase regulates expression of eicosanoid-related enzymes, passively or actively, at very low levels of activity in RBL-2H3 cells. Also, comparison with published data suggest that different MAP kinases regulate induction of COX-2 in inflammatory cells of different and even similar phenotype and suggest caution in extrapolating results from one type of cell to another.

Antigen stimulation of mast cells via the IgE receptor, FcepsilonRI, results in the recruitment of the cytosolic tyrosine kinase, Syk, and the activation of various signaling cascades. One of these, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK2) cascade, is inhibited by low concentrations of the immunosuppressant drug, dexamethasone, probably at a step prior to the activation of Raf-1 (Rider, L. G., Hirasawa, N., Santini, F., and Beaven, M. A. (1996) J. Immunol. 157, 2374-2380). We now show that treatment of cultured RBL-2H3 mast cells with nanomolar concentrations of dexamethasone causes dissociation of the Raf-1.heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) complex. Raf-1 bereft of this protein fails to associate with the membrane or Ras in antigen-stimulated cells. Upstream events such as the Syk-dependent phosphorylation of Shc, the engagement of Shc with the adapter protein, Grb2, and the activation of Ras itself are unaffected. Interestingly, the counterpart of Raf-1 in the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) cascade, MEKK-1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase), is similarly associated with Hsp90, and this association as well as the activation of MEKK-1 are disrupted by dexamethasone treatment. Disruption of the ERK and JNK cascades at the level of Raf-1 and MEKK-1 could account for the inhibitory action of dexamethasone on the generation of inflammatory mediators in stimulated mast cells.

The protein, p100, was previously identified as a G-protein related protein that cycles on and off the cytoplasmic face of the endosome membrane (Traub et al., Biochem. J. 280 (1991) 171-178). Here we present evidence that the inositol polyphosphates, inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) and inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), release p100 from light-density microsomal membranes and inhibit rebinding of p100 through receptors, which are specific for IP3 or for IP6. These receptors can be co-extracted with p100 from the microsomes by 0.5 M Tris-HCl and, in the soluble state, they exhibit similar binding activity towards the inositol polyphosphates as do untreated microsomes. Soluble p100 self-aggregates and this aggregation is blocked by both IP3 and IP6. Stimulation of permeabilized rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells with carbachol, via transfected muscarinic m1 receptors, results in increased levels of inositol polyphosphates and the quantitative release of p100 into the cytosol. This effect is reversible and cytosolic p100 rebinds to the membrane as the levels of inositol polyphosphates decline. These findings suggest that p100 may belong to a family of IP-binding proteins whose intracellular localization is determined by extracellular signals.

Polybasic secretagogues such as mastoparan, compound 48/80, substance P, and somatostatin stimulate secretion in rat peritoneal mast cells through direct activation of the heterotrimeric G protein, Gi-3. Cultured RBL-2H3 mast cells do not normally respond to these secretagogues, but, as reported here, they do so after prolonged exposure to the kinase inhibitor, quercetin. This inhibitor, which causes phenotypic changes in RBL-2H3 cells, induces a substantial increase (more than sevenfold) in the expression of α subunits of the pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, Gi-2 and Gi-3. Compound 48/80-induced secretion is associated with transient hydrolysis of phosphoinositides and a transient increase in cytosolic calcium ions. These responses are inhibited by pertussis toxin, and in addition, secretion is blocked by calcium chelation and the protein kinase C inhibitor, Ro31-7549. These results delineate a pathway for compound 48/80-induced secretion in mast cells via Gi protein(s), phospholipase C, calcium, and protein kinase C. The results also imply that phospholipase C, most likely phospholipase Cβ3, can be transiently activated in RBL-2H3 cells by subunits of Gi proteins to induce cellular responses.

Aggregation of the high affinity IgE receptor (FceRI) in a mast cell line resulted in activation of the p42 and the stress-activated p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Selective inhibition of these respective kinases with PD 098059 and SB 203580 indicated that p42 MAP kinase, but not p38 MAP kinase, contributed to the production of the cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α, and the release of arachidonic acid in these cells. Neither kinase, however, was essential for FceRI-mediated degranulation or constitutive production of tumor growth factor-β. Studies with SB 203580 and the p38 MAP kinase activator anisomycin also revealed that p38 MAP kinase negatively regulated activation of p42 MAP kinase and the responses mediated by this kinase.

The protein prohibitin (PHB) is implicated in diverse cellular processes, including cell signaling, transcriptional control, and mitochondrial function. We found that PHB was abundant in the intracellular granules of mast cells, which are critical for allergic responses to antigens. Thus, we investigated whether PHB played a role in signaling mediated by the high-affinity receptor for antigen-bound immunoglobulin E (IgE), FcεRI. PHB-specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) inhibited antigen-mediated signaling, degranulation, and cytokine secretion by mast cells in vitro. Knockdown of PHB inhibited the antigen-dependent association of the tyrosine kinase Syk with FcεRI and inhibited the activation of Syk. Fractionation studies revealed that PHB translocated from intracellular granules to plasma membrane lipid rafts in response to antigen, and knockdown of PHB suppressed the movement of FcεRIγ and Syk into lipid rafts. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PHB by Lyn was observed early after exposure to antigen, and point mutations in PHB indicated that Tyr(114) and Tyr(259) were required for the recruitment of Syk to FcεRIγ and mast cell activation. In mice, PHB-specific siRNAs inhibited antigen-initiated mast cell degranulation, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, and passive systemic anaphylaxis. Together, these results suggest that PHB is essential for FcεRI-mediated mast cell activation and allergic responses in vivo, raising the possibility that PHB might serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Following antigen/IgE-mediated aggregation of high affinity IgE-receptors (FcεRI), mast cells (MCs) degranulate and release inflammatory mediators leading to the induction of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Migration of MCs to resident tissues and sites of inflammation is regulated by tissue chemotactic factors such as stem cell factor (SCF (KIT ligand)). Despite inducing similar early signaling events to antigen, chemotactic factors, including SCF, produce minimal degranulation in the absence of other stimuli. We therefore investigated whether processes regulating MC chemotaxis are rate limiting for MC mediator release. To investigate this issue, we disrupted actin polymerization, a requirement for MC chemotaxis, with latrunculin B and cytochalasin B, then examined chemotaxis and mediator release in human (hu)MCs induced by antigen or SCF. As expected, such disruption minimally affected early signaling pathways, but attenuated SCF-induced human mast cell chemotaxis. In contrast, SCF, in the absence of other stimuli, induced substantial degranulation in a concentration-dependent manner following actin disassembly. It also moderately enhanced antigen-mediated human mast cell degranulation which was further enhanced in the presence of SCF. These observations suggest that processes regulating cell migration limit MC degranulation as a consequence of cytoskeletal reorganization.

The significant contributions this past year to our understanding of IgE receptor (FceRI) signaling in mast cells include studies with truncated Syk in a vaccinia expression system and Syk-negative variants of rat basophilic (RBL-2H3) cells. These studies demonstrate an essential role for Syk in initiating signals for secretion and release of arachidonic acid via phospholipase A2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase. A newly recognized addition to the repertoire of FceRI-mediated signaling systems is the activation of sphingosine kinase, which contributes to calcium mobilization in mast cells. Advances have been made in our understanding of other receptors that regulate proliferation and differentiation of mast cells, and in our understanding of the ability of mast cells to mount acquired and acute responses to antigenic and bacterial challenge.

A recent study shows that sphingosine kinase and its lipid product have an essential signalling function; they act in the mobilization of calcium ions in antigen-stimulated mast cells. This finding may have relevance to signalling in other cells of the immune system.

Antigen receptors on T- and B-cells activate Ras through a signaling pathway that results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and the formation of a complex of Shc with the Grb2 adaptor protein. The high affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (FcepsilonRI) in cultured mast (RBL-2H3) cells has been reported to function differently. Here we show to the contrary that engagement of FcepsilonRI with antigen leads to increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and the association of Shc with Grb2 and other proteins (p120 and p140). Like the FcepsilonRI-mediated activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, these responses are dependent on the tyrosine kinase Syk; they are enhanced by overexpression of Syk and are blocked by expression of dominant-negative Syk. Sos is constitutively associated with Grb2 in these cells but dissociates from Shc on stimulation with antigen. These reactions are rapid, reversible, and associated with the activation of Ras. Therefore, the Syk-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and its association with Grb2 may provide a pathway through Sos for activation of Ras by FcepsilonRI.

The mechanisms of activation of mast cells have been studied in most detail in rat RBL-2H3 cells. These cells respond to antigen via the IgE receptor (FceRI) through sequential activation of the tyrosine kinases, Lyn and Syk, and to adenosine analogs via the adenosine A 3 receptor (A 3 R) and a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein, most likely G i-3 . Other receptors, introduced through gene transfection, include the muscarinic ml receptor (mlR) which acts via G q/11 . Stimulation of cells via FceRI, A 3 R or ml R leads to the activation of phospholipase (PL) C, PLD and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase resulting in the generation of inositol phosphates and diglycerides, an increase of cytosolic Ca 2+ , the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and the phosphorylation of various proteins by PKC and MAP kinase. The extent and time course of these events varies for each receptor. These variations, as well as the effects of pharmacologic probes, gene transfection and reconstitution of responses in washed permeabilized cells, indicate how these events relate to functional responses. A modest but sustained elevation of cytosolic Ca 2+ through an influx of extracellular Ca 2+ and activation of PKCβ and PKCδ are sufficient for optimal release of preformed secretory granules. Phosphorylation of a cytosolic PLAj by AMP kinase (p42 mapk ) and a modest increase in cytosolic Ca 2+ are necessary for the activation of Pl^ and the binding of PLA 2 to membranes, respectively. Finally, both de novo generation and secretion via Golgi-derived vesicles of certain cytokines are dependent on Ca 2+ and PKC as well as additional signals most probably phosphorylation of proteins by Syk and p42 mapk .

Neoplastic accumulation of mast cells in systemic mastocytosis (SM) associates with activating mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT. Constitutive activation of tyrosine kinase oncogenes has been linked to imbalances in oxidant/antioxidant mechanisms in other myeloproliferative disorders. However, the impact of KIT mutations on the redox status in SM and the potential therapeutic implications are not well understood. Here, we examined the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and of the antioxidant protein DJ-1 (PARK-7), which increases with cancer progression and acts to lessen oxidative damage to malignant cells, in relationship with SM severity. ROS levels were increased in both indolent (ISM) and aggressive variants of the disease (ASM). However, while DJ-1 levels were reduced in ISM with lower mast cell burden, they rose in ISM with higher mast cell burden and were significantly elevated in patients with ASM. Studies on mast cell lines revealed that activating KIT mutations induced constant ROS production and consequent DJ-1 oxidation and degradation that could explain the reduced levels of DJ-1 in the ISM population, while IL-6, a cytokine that increases with disease severity, caused a counteracting transcriptional induction of DJ-1 which would protect malignant mast cells from oxidative damage. A mouse model of mastocytosis recapitulated the biphasic changes in DJ-1 and the escalating IL-6, ROS and DJ-1 levels as mast cells accumulate, findings which were reversed with anti-IL-6 receptor blocking antibody. Our findings provide evidence of increased ROS and a biphasic regulation of the antioxidant DJ-1 in variants of SM and implicate IL-6 in DJ-1 induction and expansion of mast cells with KIT mutations. We propose consideration of IL-6 blockade as a potential adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with advanced mastocytosis, as it would reduce DJ-1 levels making mutation-positive mast cells vulnerable to oxidative damage.

Stimulation of the mast cell line, RBL-2H3, with antigen via the tetrameric (alpha beta gamma 2) immunoglobulin E receptor (Fc epsilon R1) leads to the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and the release of arachidonic acid. This pathway is dependent on the activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. In this paper, we show that the MAP kinase/cytosolic phospholipase A2 pathway is linked to Fc epsilon R1 via the cytosolic tyrosine kinase, Syk, and that the GDP/GTP exchange factor, Vav, might be one candidate for accomplishing this link. Cross-linking of transmembrane chimeras containing the Fc epsilon R1 gamma motif, which is known to activate Syk, results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav, activation of MAP kinase, and release of arachidonic acid. Cross-linking of chimeras containing the Fc epsilon R1 beta motif does not cause these events. Furthermore, stimulation of these events by antigen is enhanced by transient overexpression of a wild-type form of Syk and blocked by overexpression of a dominant negative form of Syk. By contrast, stimulation via the transfected, G protein-coupled, muscarinic m1 receptor is not influenced by either form of Syk and does not result in tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav. These data establish unequivocally that the two types of receptor are independently linked to the two types of receptor are independently linked to the MAP kinase/cytosolic phospholipase A2 pathway and demonstrate the existence of the Fc epsilon R1-Syk-MAP kinase pathway.