Cell surface membrane antigen phenotype of human gastrointestinal mast cells.

Background: Mast cells (MC) are important effector cells of allergic and inflammatory reactions in diverse organs. These cells interact with a number of other immune cells and structural cells in the tissues as well as with proinflammatory mediators and cytokines. The various interactions are considered to be mediated through distinct cell surface membrane receptors on MC.

Methods: In the present study, we have established the cell surface membrane phenotype of human gastrointestinal MC (HGMC) using a panel of monoclonal antibodies and indirect immunofluorescence staining techniques.

Results: HGMC were found to react with antibodies against CD29, CD33, CD44, CD45, CD47, CD54, CD55, CD58, CD63, CD117, CD147, CD151, CD172a, and CD203c. By contrast, HGMC did not express detectable amounts of CD1, CD2, CD4, CD5, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD22, CD24, CD25, CD26, CD27, CD28, CD31, CD32, CD34, CD35, CD88, or CD116. The alpha-chain of the IL-3 receptor (CD123) was detectable neither in resting HGMC nor in HGMC exposed to stem cell factor and interleukin-4.

Conclusions: HGMC express a unique profile of surface antigens including the receptor for mast cell growth factor, adhesion-related molecules, and activation-linked membrane antigens.