The crystal structure of IgE Fc reveals an asymmetrically bent conformation

The distinguishing structural feature of immunoglobulin E (IgE), the antibody responsible for allergic hypersensitivity, is the C epsilon 2 domain pair that replaces the hinge region of IgG. The crystal structure of the IgE Fc (constant fragment) at a 2.6-A resolution has revealed these domains. They display a distinctive, disulfide-linked Ig domain interface and are folded back asymmetrically onto the C epsilon 3 and C epsilon 4 domains, which causes an acute bend in the IgE molecule. The structure implies that a substantial conformational change involving C epsilon 2 must accompany binding to the mast cell receptor Fc epsilon RI. This may be the basis of the exceptionally slow dissociation rate of the IgE-Fc epsilon RI complex and, thus, of the ability of IgE to cause persistent allergic sensitization of mast cells.     

Roles of the transmembrane domain and the cytoplasmic domain of Fc epsilon RI alpha in immunoglobulin E-mediated up-regulation of surface Fc epsilon RI expression.

BACKGROUND: Human mast cells express both Fc epsilon RI alpha and Fc gamma RI alpha. IgE up-regulates Fc epsilon RI alpha expression, but IgG1 does not up-regulate Fc gamma RI alpha expression. The transmembrane domain (TM) of Fc gamma RI alpha determines the stability of cell surface expression of this receptor. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clarify the roles of the TM and cytoplasmic domain (CY) of Fc epsilon RI alpha in IgE-mediated Fc epsilon RI up-regulation. METHODS: Chimeric receptors created by domain shuffling between Fc epsilon RI alpha and Fc gamma RI alpha were transduced into human mast cell line HMC-1. Cell surface expression of the chimeric receptors and the effect of IgE or IgG1 on chimeric receptor expression were examined by FACS. The association of the chimeric receptors with FcR gamma was investigated by immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: The results showed that the TM and CY of Fc epsilon RI alpha are not essential for IgE-mediated up-regulation of surface Fc epsilon RI. CONCLUSION: The extracellular domain of each Fc receptor determines the diversity of Ig-regulated Fc receptor expression.     

Isolation and characterization of IgE receptors from rat intestinal mucosal mast cells

High-(Fc epsilon RI) and low-(Fc epsilon RII) affinity IgE receptors were isolated from surface radioiodinated, Nonidet-P40-solubilized rat intestinal mucosal mast cells (IMMC) and compared with those on rat peritoneal mast cells (PMC) and rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells. Fc epsilon RII were isolated by affinity chromatography using IgE-Sepharose or by anti-Fc epsilon RII antisera and protein A-Sepharose. The surface-exposed, IgE-binding alpha subunits of Fc epsilon RI [Fc epsilon RI alpha] were isolated by affinity chromatography using IgE and anti-IgE-Sepharose. Fc epsilon RI alpha on IMMC had an apparent molecular mass of 59 kDa, somewhat larger than that of PMC (51 kDa), RBL-2H3 cells (51 kDa) or RBL-CA10.7 cells (46 kDa). Brief (45 s) incubation of IMMC or PMC in glycine-HCl, pH 3, prior to iodination removed much of the surface-bound IgE. This permitted more thorough labeling of the receptors, but had no affect on the estimate of receptor size. Surprisingly and in contrast to acid-treated PMC, upon anti-IgE-Sepharose isolation acid-treated IMMC yielded an intensely radioactive Fc epsilon RI alpha band in the absence of added IgE. Such a finding suggests that IMMC, more so than PMC, may have an intracellular store of IgE, as has been suggested by many others. IMMC also differed from PMC in the number of forms of Fc epsilon RII isolated; 50-kDa and 58-kDa forms of Fc epsilon RII were obtained from IMMC, whereas PMC yielded most often a single 56-kDa Fc epsilon RII band. These results were mimicked by the two RBL cell sublines: RBL-2H3 cells yielded two Fc epsilon RII (46 kDa and 55 kDa), but only one form of Fc epsilon RII (54-kDa) was obtained from RBL-CA10.7 cells. Thus, the two subtypes of rat mast cells, which have previously been shown to differ in mediator profile and responsiveness to secretagogues and antiallergic drugs, are also distinguished by differences in IgER profile.     

The human mast cell receptor binding site maps to the third constant domain of immunoglobulin E.

The characterization of the site on the IgE molecule which accommodates the high affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI) should allow the design of IgE analogues which can be utilized to block allergic responses. Using chimeric human IgE molecules in which different constant region domains were exchanged with their murine homologues, we demonstrate here that the C epsilon 3 in its native configuration is essential for the binding to the alpha subunit of the human Fc epsilon RI. Deletion of the human C epsilon 2 from such chimeric molecules did not impair their ability to interact with the Fc epsilon RI, indicating that C epsilon 2 is not directly involved in the human Fc epsilon RI binding site and that C epsilon 3 alone is necessary and sufficient to account for most of the human Fc epsilon RI-binding capacity.     

Dysregulation of the IgE/Fc epsilon RI network in HIV-1 infection

Serum IgE levels are increased in adults and children with HIV-1 infection and could be a marker of poor prognosis. Allergic reactions and adverse reactions to drugs are also increased in HIV-1-infected individuals. An imbalance between a T(H)1-like and a T(H)2-like cytokine profile has been documented in HIV-1 infection. We have found that HIV-1 gp120 from different clades is a potent stimulus for histamine and cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) release from basophils. Gp120 acts as a viral superantigen, interacting with the V(H)3 region of IgE to induce mediator release from human Fc epsilon RI(+) cells. Human basophils and mast cells express the chemokine receptor CCR3, which binds the chemokines eotaxin and RANTES. By interacting with the CCR3 receptor on Fc epsilon RI(+) cells, HIV-1 Tat protein is a potent chemoattractant for human basophils and lung mast cells. Tat protein also induced IL-4 and IL-13 release from basophils. Preincubation of basophils with Tat protein upregulated the surface expression of the CCR3 receptor. Extracellular Tat can influence the directional migration of human Fc epsilon RI(+) cells, the expression of chemokine receptor CCR3, and the release of T(H)2 cytokines. Because Tat protein is actively released by HIV-1-infected cells, our results indicate a novel mechanism by which Fc epsilon RI(+) cells are rendered more susceptible to infection with CCR3-tropic HIV-1 isolates; that is, two HIV-1 proteins, gp120 and Tat, trigger the release of cytokines critical for T(H)2 polarization from Fc epsilon RI(+) cells, and Tat upregulates beta-chemokine receptor CCR3 on these cells.     

Identification of amino acid residues involved in the interaction of canine IgE with canine and human FcɛRIα

The interaction of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies with the high-affinity receptor (Fc?RI) is important in anti-parasitic immunity and plays a central role in allergic responses. It has been shown that the human C?3 domains comprise the binding sites for Fc?RIα and crystal structure determination has shown that amino acids in four sites contribute to the high affinity of the interaction. The role of homologous residues within canine IgE-Fc, i.e. amino acids located at C?2–C?3 interface (residues 332–337), loop BC (residues 362–365), loop DE (residues 393–396), and loop FG (residues 424–427) in canine C?3 domain were targeted by site-specific mutagenesis. The functional consequences of the mutations to support (i) IgE-mediated, antigen-induced release of β-hexosaminidase from RBL cells transfected with canine or human Fc?RIα and (ii) the affinity of the mutants for the soluble extracellular domain of the α-chain expressed in Pichia pastoris were determined by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). Kinetic analysis supports the observed effects of IgE mutations on stimulus secretion coupling. Potential applications of this study, leading to the generation of an IgE variant with a disabled Fc?RIα binding site, are discussed.     

Mapping of murine IgE epitopes involved in IgE-Fc epsilon receptor interactions

The generation of anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies has permitted the identification of various serological epitopes on the IgE molecule. The relationship of the sites on IgE recognized by such antibodies to the Fc epsilon receptor (Fc epsilon R) interaction site has been determined using cross-inhibition studies. However, interpretation of this type of experiment is limited by problems of steric hindrance. Thus, to accomplish precise mapping on the IgE molecule of the Fc epsilon R interaction site and the binding sites of various anti-IgE mAb, we employed site-directed mutagenesis of the IgE heavy chain gene. To this end we have constructed and expressed a recombinant murine constant epsilon heavy chain (C epsilon) gene bearing a (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetic acid (NP)-binding VH region. Several site-specific mutants in the C epsilon 3 and C epsilon 4 domains of this recombinant C epsilon gene were prepared and expressed by transfection into the light chain-producing J558L myeloma cell line. The resulting IgE antibodies were tested for binding to mast cells and to various anti-IgE mAb. The mutants produced include a proline to histidine point mutant at amino acid residue 404 in the C epsilon 3 domain, a mutant with a truncated C epsilon 4 domain, a mutant with a 45 amino acid deletion in the carboxy end of C epsilon 3, and a chimeric human C epsilon in which the human C epsilon 3 was replaced by the homologous mouse C epsilon 3 domain. These mutants have permitted the localization, to the C epsilon 3 domain, of the epitopes recognized by the 84.1C and 95.3 anti-IgE mAb. The 84.1C mAb recognizes a site on IgE which is identical or very close to the Fc epsilon R binding site, and 95.3 recognizes a site on IgE which is related, but not identical to the Fc epsilon R binding site. The antigenic determinant recognized by the 51.3 mAb, which is inefficient at blocking the IgE-Fc epsilon R interaction, has been mapped to the C epsilon 4 domain. When tested for binding to the Fc epsilon R on RBL-2H3 cells, the point mutant bound to the Fc epsilon R with twofold reduced affinity, while the C epsilon 3 deletion mutant and the mutant truncated in C epsilon 4 lost all receptor binding activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Characterization of new rat anti-mouse IgE monoclonals and their use along with chimeric IgE to further define the site that interacts with Fc epsilon RII and Fc epsilon RI.

Three rat monoclonal antibodies specific for mouse IgE (C12B9, 23G3, and B1E3) were established by using monoclonal anti-DNP mouse IgE (mIgE) as immunogen. These antibodies, as well as a fourth, (R1E4) were characterized. It was found that one antibody (C12B9) recognizes an allotypic determinant (Igh-7a) found on the C epsilon chain of mIgE. Antibody cross-blocking studies and epitope mapping studies using recombinant mIgE indicated that 3 antibodies (C12B9, R1E4 and 23G3) were directed against the C epsilon 3 domain while one (B1E3) was directed against the C epsilon 4 domain. A highly specific sandwich RIA for mIgE was developed using these antibodies. Use of these monoclonal anti-mIgE antibodies in conjunction with recombinant chimeric mIgE-human IgG1 molecules, demonstrated that the C epsilon 3 domain is important in the binding of mIgE to the murine B cell Fc epsilon RII as well as to the murine mast cell F epsilon RI. The presence of the C epsilon 4 domain influenced the binding of the recombinant IgE to the Fc epsilon RII; in contrast to the C epsilon 4 domain had no effect on binding to the Fc epsilon RI.     

An anti-IgE monoclonal antibody that binds to IgE on CD23 but not on high-affinity IgE.Fc receptors

A new monoclonal antibody (mAb), specific for human IgE, the central mediator of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions, has been shown to possess a unique set of binding specificities. The mAb, 8D6, binds to a conformational epitope on the CH3 domain of human e immunoglobulin and can compete with omalizumab for binding to IgE. Like omalizumab, it does not bind to IgE bound by the high-affinity IgE.Fc receptor (Fc?RI) on basophils and mast cells. It also does not cause activation and degranulation of IgE-pulsed, human Fc?RI-expressing rat basophilic leukemic cells (RBL SX-38). The mAb can inhibit IgE binding to recombinant α chain of human Fc?RI in ELISA and to human Fc?RI-expressing RBL SX38 cells in fluorescence flow cytometric analysis. However, unlike omalizumab, 8D6 can bind to IgE already bound by the low-affinity IgE.Fc receptors (Fc?RII, or CD23), as revealed in ELISA with recombinant CD23 and in flow cytometric analysis with human B cells. Since earlier investigators have shown that anti-CD23 mAbs can inhibit the synthesis of IgE in lymphocyte culture in vitro and can down-regulate IgE production in treated patients, 8D6 may offer pharmacological mechanisms in addition to those mediated by omalizumab, for controlling IgE in patients with allergic diseases.     

Inhibition of IgE-dependent histamine release from human peripheral blood basophils by humanized Fab fragments that recognize the membrane proximal domain of the human Fc epsilon RI alpha-chain

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of the interaction between IgE and the alpha-chain of Fc epsilon RI (Fc epsilon RI alpha) is a straightforward strategy to develop therapeutic reagents for IgE-mediated allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is the humanization of CRA2 and/or CRA4, mouse anti-human Fc epsilon RI alpha monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which recognize the IgE-binding membrane proximal immunoglobulin-like domain of Fc epsilon RI alpha. METHODS: The two mAbs were humanized by CDR grafting onto human V region frameworks encoded by human germline V and J genes. The activities of the recombinant antibodies to bind Fc epsilon RI alpha and inhibit IgE binding to Fc epsilon RI alpha were analyzed by flow cytometry and ELISA. Human peripheral blood basophils were pretreated with the Fab fragments of the humanized CRA2 and stimulated with IgE and an anti-IgE polyclonal antibody. The released histamine was measured. RESULTS: The humanized CRA2 had almost the same activities of binding and inhibition of IgE binding to Fc epsilon RI alpha as the original mouse CRA2. Although the Fc epsilon RI-binding activity was maintained following humanization of the CRA4 light chain V region, it was lost by the humanization of the CRA4 heavy chain V region. Pretreatment of human peripheral blood basophils with the Fab fragments of the humanized CRA2 inhibited their subsequent degranulation activated by cross-linking of the Fc epsilon RI. CONCLUSION: In the humanized CRA2, all amino acid residues except CDR are replaced with the residues encoded by human germline genes. The humanization of CRA2 might be an important step in the development of immunotherapy to manipulate the IgE network in which mast cells, basophils, and various types of Fc epsilon RI alpha expressing cells are involved.     

Genetically engineered negative signaling molecules in the immunomodulation of allergic diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the control of human mast cell and basophil signaling and recent developments using a new therapeutic platform consisting of a human bifunctional gamma and epsilon heavy chain (Fc gamma-Fc epsilon) protein to inhibit allergic reactivity. RECENT FINDINGS: Crosslinking of Fc gamma RIIb to Fc epsilon RI on human mast cells and basophils by a genetically engineered Fc gamma-Fc epsilon protein (GE2) leads to the inhibition of mediator release upon Fc epsilon RI challenge. GE2 protein was shown to inhibit cord blood-derived mast cell and peripheral blood basophil mediator release in vitro in a dose-dependent fashion, including inhibition of human IgE reactivity to cat. IgE-driven mediator release from lung tissue was also inhibited by GE2. The mechanism of inhibition in mast cells included alterations in IgE-mediated Ca mobilization, spleen tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and the formation of downstream of kinase-growth factor receptor-bound protein 2-SH2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase (dok-grb2-SHIP) complexes. Proallergic effects of Langerhan's like dendritic cells and B-cell IgE switching were also inhibited by GE2. In vivo, GE2 was shown to block passive cutaneous anaphylaxis driven by human IgE in mice expressing the human Fc epsilon RI and inhibit skin test reactivity to dust mite antigen in a dose-dependent manner in rhesus monkeys. SUMMARY: The balance between positive and negative signaling controls mast cell and basophil reactivity, which is critical in the expression of human allergic diseases. This approach using a human Fc gamma-Fc epsilon fusion protein to co-aggregate Fc epsilon RI with the Fc gamma RII holds promise as a new therapeutic platform for the immunomodulation of allergic diseases and potentially other mast cell/basophil-dependent disease states.     

Production of IgE-potentiating factor in man by T cell lines bearing Fc receptors for IgE

The regulation of human IgE production in vitro by soluble T cell factors was examined. T cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of 2 patients with the hyper-IgE syndrome on the basis of their expression of Fc receptors for human IgE (Fc epsilon R). The T cells were incubated with human myeloma IgE (10 micrograms/ml), washed, reacted with immunosorbent-purified goat anti-human IgE conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate, and then separated into Fc epsilon R+ and Fc epsilon R- T cells on the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Fc epsilon R+ T cells and Fc epsilon R- T cells were propagated in culture using supernatants of phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and irradiated autologous PBMC. Supernatants of Fc epsilon R+ T cell lines but not of Fc epsilon R- T cell lines selectively enhanced IgE synthesis in cultures of B cells obtained from patients with allergic rhinitis but not from normal nonallergic subjects. The surface phenotype of the Fc epsilon R+ T cell line was predominantly T3+, T4+, Ia+ with few (15%) T8+ cells. Two T cell clones were grown from the Fc epsilon R+ T cell line by limiting dilution (0.3 cells/well). These clones possessed the T4+ helper/inducer phenotype and secreted IgE-enhancing factor(s). The IgE-enhancing factor(s) which had affinity for insolubilized human IgE was sensitive to treatment with trypsin and neuraminidase, and had as its target an IgE-bearing B cell. These results suggest that a subset of human T cells bearing an Fc epsilon R secretes an IgE-binding glycoprotein which selectively enhances IgE synthesis by IgE-bearing B cells.     

Specific inhibition of immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic reaction using antisense Fc epsilon RI alpha oligodeoxynucleotides.

We have investigated the ability of an antisense immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor alpha-subunit oligodeoxynucleotide (Fc epsilon RI alpha ODN) specifically to inhibit IgE-mediated allergic reactions in the mouse. Synthetic antisense Fc epsilon RI alpha ODN dose-dependently inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and histamine release from the mouse peritoneal mast cells (MPMC) activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. Northern blot analysis showed that the mast cells treated with antisense Fc epsilon RI alpha ODN exhibited no detectable levels of L-histidine decarboxylase mRNA after anti-DNP IgE stimulation, whereas the cells treated with sense Fc epsilon RI alpha ODN possessed significant amounts of this mRNA. Examination of the elevation of cAMP levels in MPMC following the activation with anti-DNP IgE demonstrated a significant rise in activated cells, but not in the antisense Fc epsilon RI alpha ODN-treated cells. Moreover, antisense Fc epsilon RI alpha ODN had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumour necrosis factor-alpha production. Our results demonstrated that antisense Fc epsilon RI alpha ODN inhibited the IgE-mediated allergic reaction in vivo and in vitro.     

Systemic administration of an Fcgamma-Fc(epsilon)-fusion protein in house dust mite sensitive nonhuman primates

Crosslinking Fc(epsilon)RI and FcgammaRIIB receptors inhibits mast cell and basophil activation, decreasing mediator release. In this study, a fusion protein incorporating human Fcgamma and Fc(epsilon) domains, hGE2, was shown to inhibit degranulation of human mast cells and basophils, and to exhibit efficacy in a nonhuman primate model of allergic asthma. hGE2 increased the provocative concentration of dust mite aeroallergen that induced an early phase asthmatic response. The treatment effect lasted up to 4 weeks and was associated with reduction in the number of circulating basophils and decreased expression of Fc(epsilon)RI on repopulating basophils. Repeat hGE2 dosing induced production of serum antibodies against human Fcgamma and Fc(epsilon) domains and acute anaphylaxis-like reactions. Immune serum induced histamine release from human IgE or hGE2-treated cord blood-derived mast cells and basophils in vitro. These results indicate that repeat administration with hGE2 induced an antibody response to the human molecule that resulted in activation rather than inhibition of allergic responses.     

Role of the extracellular domain of Fc epsilon RI alpha in intracellular processing and surface expression of the high affinity receptor for IgE Fc epsilon RI

The high affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E, Fc epsilon RI, is a critical component of IgE-mediated allergic reactions. It is expressed as a tetramer (alphabetagamma(2)) made of an IgE-binding alpha chain and a signaling module formed by the beta chain and a dimer of gamma chains. It is expressed in humans and rodents on basophils and mast cells at a high level, and, upon activation, it induces the liberation of allergy mediators. In humans a trimeric form lacking the beta chain also exists (alphagamma(2)). This trimeric form is expressed on antigen presenting cells where it acts to facilitate antigen presentation via IgE. Both the expression and the signaling capacity of the trimer are lower than those of the tetramer. The differences between human (tetrameric and trimeric) and murine (tetrameric only) expression is explained in part by the fact that mouse alpha cannot be expressed at the cell surface in the absence of beta, while human alpha can. Here we demonstrate that the capacity of human alpha to be expressed at the cell surface in the absence of beta is encoded entirely in its extracellular domain. These findings show that the extracellular domain of the type I transmembrane protein Fc epsilon RI alpha plays a role in Fc epsilon RI intracellular processing and expression at the cell surface.     

Monoclonal antibodies defining epitopes on human IgE.

Twelve monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were isolated that bound to six clusters of epitopes on the constant region of the epsilon chain of human IgE. Four of the mAb bound to the C epsilon 1 or early C epsilon 2 regions; three of these bound to the IgE myeloma protein PS and to serum IgE but not to the IgE myeloma protein ND. These mAb probably recognize an allotypic marker. Another mAb reacted with heat-denatured, but not native IgE. Four of the mAb failed to release histamine; the epitopes recognized by these mAb are in the C epsilon 1, C epsilon 2 and C epsilon 3-4 regions of IgE. Three of these non-histamine releasing mAb did not bind to IgE on the basophil surface. These mAb recognize epitopes in C epsilon 2 and C epsilon 3-4 that are not accessible when IgE is bound to its receptor. Four mAb inhibited IgE binding to basophils; two of these did not release histamine, and two others that bind to epitopes in the C epsilon 2-4 domain, released histamine and therefore blocked IgE binding by steric hindrance. Inhibition of IgE binding by different mAb suggest that the Fc epsilon RI and Fc epsilon RII bind to partly overlapping regions of the IgE molecule although the sites do not appear to be identical. A number of sites on C epsilon 1 and C epsilon 3-4 were accessible when IgE is bound to its basophil receptor. The data support the concept that only part of the Fc portion of IgE is hidden in the receptor and that portions of C epsilon 1-4 are accessible on the cell surface. These mAb should be useful in determining the domains of IgE that are critical for its biological activity.     

Anti-anti-IgE idiotypic antibodies mimic IgE in their binding to the Fc epsilon receptor

The binding site of some anti-idiotypic antibodies (anti-Id) can appear as a structural image of the antigen and as such may mimic its biologic activity. We raised anti-anti-IgE antibodies in an attempt to obtain anti-Id capable of interacting with the Fc epsilon receptor (Fc epsilon R). Guinea pigs were immunized with purified murine monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that had been found to react with epitopes closely related to the site on the IgE molecule which is recognized by the Fc epsilon R. After only two injections, we could detect in the immune sera anti-Id that inhibited the binding of IgE to the anti-IgE mAb used as immunogens. However, only after 10 immunizations over a period of about 6 months could we detect antibodies that competed efficiently with the binding of IgE to rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells. The "IgE-like" anti-Id could be affinity purified from immunosorbents made of the anti-IgE mAb. F(ab')2 and Fab' fragments were as effective inhibitors of IgE binding as the intact anti-anti-Id antibodies. Some of the anti-Id caused RBL degranulation and all of them, like IgE, inhibited the binding of specific anti-Fc epsilon R mAb to RBL cells. In summary, by hyperimmunization with anti-IgE mAb we could obtain anti-Id whose antigen-binding site is recognized by the mast cell receptor specific to the Fc portion of IgE.     

Harnessing engineered antibodies of the IgE class to combat malignancy: initial assessment of FcɛRI‐mediated basophil activation by a tumour‐specific IgE antibody to evaluate the risk of type I hypersensitivity

Background IgE antibodies, sequestered into tissues and retained locally by the high‐affinity IgE receptor, Fc?RI, on powerful effector cells such as mast cells, macrophages and eosinophils, may offer improvements in the therapy of solid tumours. The chimeric antibody, MOv18 IgE, against the human ovarian carcinoma antigen, folate receptor α (FRα), is more effective than its IgG1 counterpart in xenograft models of ovarian cancer. Although MOv18 IgE binds to a single epitope on FRα and cannot cross‐link IgE receptors on basophils, there remains a risk that components in the circulation of ovarian cancer patients might cross‐link FRα‐MOv18‐IgE‐receptor‐Fc?RI complexes on basophils to cause type I hypersensitivity. Objective To assess the propensity for MOv18 used in a therapeutic setting to cause Fc?RI‐mediated type I hypersensitivity. Methods As validated readouts of the potential for MOv18 to cause Fc?RI‐mediated type I hypersensitivity we measured release of a granule‐stored mediator from a rat basophilic leukaemia cell line RBL SX‐38 stably transfected with human tetrameric (αβγ2) Fc?RI, and induction of CD63 on blood basophils from patients with ovarian carcinoma and healthy controls ex vivo. Results Serum FRα levels were increased in ovarian cancer patients compared with healthy controls. MOv18 IgE alone, or in the presence of its antigen recombinant human FRα, or of healthy volunteer (n=14) or ovarian carcinoma patient (n=32) sera, did not induce RBL SX‐38 cell degranulation. Exposure to FRα‐expressing ovarian tumour cells at target‐to‐effector ratios expected within tumours induced degranulation. MOv18 IgE did not induce expression of CD63 in blood basophils from either healthy volunteers (n=6), or cancer patients, despite detectable levels of circulating FRα (n=5). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance These encouraging data are compatible with the hypothesis that, when ovarian carcinoma patients are treated with MOv18, Fc?RI‐mediated activation of effector cells occurs within the tumour mass but not in the circulation mandating, with due caution, further pre‐clinical studies. Cite this as: S. M. Rudman, D. H. Josephs, H. Cambrook, P. Karagiannis, A. E. Gilbert, T. Dodev, J. Hunt, A. Koers, A. Montes, L. Taams, S. Canevari, M. Figini, P. J. Blower, A. J. Beavil, C. F. Nicodemus, C. Corrigan, S. B. Kaye, F. O. Nestle, H. J. Gould, J. F. Spicer and S. N. Karagiannis, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1400–1413.     

IgE-dependent antigen focusing by human B lymphocytes is mediated by the low-affinity receptor for IgE

In this study we investigated the role of the low-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII, CD23) on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed human B cells in the uptake and presentation to T cells of antigen after complexing with IgE. Cloned EBV-transformed B cells were incubated for 5 h with (4-hydroxy-3-iodo-5-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NIP)-haptenized tetanus toxoid (NIP-TT) or NIP-TT complexed with a chimeric human IgE/mouse anti-NIP monoclonal antibody (IgE x NIP-TT) and then contacted for 2 min with autologous cloned TT-specific T cells. Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in T cells was determined as an early indicator of T cell activation. The antigen-presenting capacity of B cells was significantly increased by complexing the antigen with IgE. This effect could be selectively reversed in a dose-dependent manner by blocking the Fc epsilon RII with an anti-CD23 monoclonal antibody. The IgE-mediated increased capacity for presenting antigen became particularly evident when B cells were incubated with NIP-TT or IgE x NIP-TT for only 1 h at 4 degrees C, washed and then cultivated for 6 h at 37 degrees C allowing uptake and processing of the antigen. These results indicate a new role of the Fc epsilon RII/CD23 molecules in the uptake of antigen by APC which might be of importance in the maintenance of an ongoing immune response against allergens.