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Basophil activation test by flow cytometry: Present and future applications in allergology
Author(s) -
Ebo D. G.,
Bridts C. H.,
Hagendorens M. M.,
Aerts N. E.,
De Clerck L. S.,
Stevens W. J.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
cytometry part b: clinical cytometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1552-4957
pISSN - 1552-4949
DOI - 10.1002/cyto.b.20419
Subject(s) - basophil activation , flow cytometry , histamine , immunology , basophil , allergy , immunoglobulin e , monoclonal antibody , allergen , antibody , medicine , clinical history , identification (biology) , biology , pharmacology , botany
The diagnosis of allergic reactions in clinical practice rests upon both clinical history and the demonstration of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), either in the serum or via skin tests. However, for various reasons, identification of the offending allergen(s) is not always possible. Moreover, not all allergies are IgE‐mediated. In an attempt to find reliable methods to investigate hypersensitivity reactions, histamine and sulfidoleukotriene release tests have long been introduced. However, relatively few comprehensive quality reports have been published so far. Upon challenge with a specific allergen, basophils not only secrete quantifiable bioactive mediators but also upregulate the expression of different markers which can be detected efficiently by flow cytometry using specific monoclonal antibodies. This review addresses the principals, particular technical aspects and pitfalls as well as the clinical and research applications of flow‐assisted analysis of in vitro activated basophils © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society