Characterization of a human basophil-like cell line (LAMA-84)

LAMA-84, a human leucocytic cell line, which upon establishment was described as having mega-karyocytic, erythroid and granulocytic characteristics, was analysed for expression of various differentiation markers. In addition to some of the previously described phenotypic characteristics, this cell line was found to express mRNA for several proteins characteristic for basophilic leucocytes and mast cells. The authors show that LAMA-84 cells express mRNA for the mast cell tryptase, the proteoglycan core protein, carboxypeptidase A and the alpha and beta chains of the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI). The authors examined the potential of LAMA-84 to differentiate in serum-free medium or after DMSO or PMA treatment. Depending on the inducing factor, surface expression of the Fc epsilon RI alpha-chain was increased from 20% to 35-50% of the cells and mRNA levels for tryptase were increased in serum-free medium and after DMSO treatment. LAMA-84 was found to express CD13, CDw17, CD29, CD33, CD40, CD45 and CD117. Furthermore, mRNA for the eosinophil/basophil markers Charcot-Leyden crystal (CLC) protein and the major basic protein (MBP), as well as the erythrocyte differentiation marker alpha-globin, was detected. However, the authors observed only trace amounts of mRNA for another erythroid differentiation marker (glycophorin), trace amounts of the megakaryocytic marker GPIIIa, and no detectable level of GPIb alpha. By comparing the expression pattern of a panel of differentiation markers in LAMA-84, and a second human cell line (KU812) expressing a basophil phenotype, it is evident that these cell lines, which presently are the only two cell lines identified with basophilic characteristics, share a large number of phenotypic characteristics.