Antigen-specific IgG and IgA, but not IgE, activate the effector functions of eosinophils in the presence of antigen

Background: Activated eosinophils are thought to play an important role in allergic inflammation. Prior reports suggest that eosinophils have receptors recognizing IgA, IgG and IgE; however, little is known regarding the direct effects of antigens and antigen-specific immunoglobulins on the functions of eosinophils.

Methods: To investigate eosinophil activation by antigens mediated by the various antigen-specific immunoglobulins, we used dansyl-conjugated bovine serum albumin (DNS-BSA) and recombinant dansyl-specific antibodies (human IgG 1-4, IgA and IgE). Eosinophils from healthy donors were incubated in the wells coated with dansyl-specific immunoglobulins with or without DNS-BSA. Eosinophil activation was monitored by superoxide production and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) release.

Results: Superoxide production and EDN release by eosinophils were induced by the dansyl-specific reaction via all IgG subclasses (IgG 1-4) and IgA in the presence of DNS-BSA; the responses were not observed in the absence of antigen, DNS-BSA. The immune complexes (ICs) of DNS-BSA and dansyl-specific IgE did not induce these responses. Furthermore, IgE ICs did not enhance eosinophil activation stimulated with various immunoglobulins, IL-5 or platelet-activating factor.

Conclusion: These data suggest that ICs of antigens and antigen-specific IgGs and IgA, but not IgE, in inflamed tissues may activate eosinophils and play an important role in allergic inflammation.