Identification of basophils by a mAb directed against pro-major basic protein 1.

Background: Basophils possess characteristics of both mast cells and eosinophils, and all 3 cell types often are found together, particularly during allergic reactions. A mAb (J175-7D4) generated against the recombinant pro-form of human eosinophil granule major basic protein 1 (rproMBP1) appeared to stain only basophils in tissue specimens.

Objective: We investigated J175-7D4 to characterize its specificity for basophils.