Can behaviour analysis of individual mast cells and basophils lift the veil of anaphylaxis in mastocytosis?

Anaphylaxis, potentially life-threatening, is one of the principal manifestations of systemic mastocytosis. In these patients anaphylaxis can result from IgEdependent and IgE-independent triggering of mast cells and/or basophils. However, the exact reasons for anaphylaxis in systemic mastocytosis remain a fundamental gap in our knowledge. This gap needs to be filled in order to optimize our patients' care and tailor their individual management. Indeed, the total mast cell burden, hitherto best reflected by the serum tryptase level, does not predict the risk of anaphylaxis nor its clinical outcome. Needless to stress that the uncertainties associated to their condition have a severe impact on the quality-of-life of the patient. Our hypothesis is that the occurrence of anaphylaxis in patients with systemic mastocytosis relates to an imbalance in activating and inhibitory pathways in mast cells and basophils, both critical effector cells of anaphylaxis. For this purpose we will first compare the immunophenotype of mast cells and basophils from patients with systemic mastocytosis with and without anaphylaxis. Secondly, we will study the behaviour of individual cells in response to various combinations of activators and inhibitors. As illustrated by our track-record we believe that this application fits into our overarching research. The Antwerp mastocytosis center will guarantee inclusion of the sufficient numbers of patients and healthy controls.

Keywords:BASOPHIL ACTIVATION, MAST CELLS, BASOPHILS, ALLERGY

Disciplines:Diagnostics, Immunology, Laboratory medicine, Morphological sciences, Medicinal products