Use of a rat basophil leukemia (RBL) cell-based immunological assay for allergen identification, clinical diagnosis of allergy, and identification of anti-allergy agents for use in immunotherapy

Abstract

(2015) Use of a rat basophil leukemia (RBL) cell-based immunological assay for allergen identification, clinical diagnosis of allergy, and identification of anti-allergy agents for use in immunotherapy, Journal of Immunotoxicology, 12:2, 199-205, DOI: 10.3109/1547691X.2014 AbstractFood allergy is an important public health problem that affects an estimated 8% of young children and 2% of adults. With an increasing interest in genetically-engineered foods, there is a growing need for development of sensitive and specific tests to evaluate potential allergenicity of foods and novel proteins as well as to determine allergic responses to ensure consumer safety. This review covers progress made in the field of development of cell models, specifically that involving a rat basophil leukemia (RBL) cell-based immunoassay, for use in allergen identification, diagnosis, and immunotherapy. The RBL assay has been extensively employed for determining biologically relevant cross-reactivities of food proteins, assessing the effect of processing on the allergenicity of food proteins, diagnosing allergic responses to whole-food products, and identifying anti-allergy food compounds. From the review of the literature, one might conclude the RBL cell-based assay is a better test system when compared to wild-type mast cell and basophil model systems for use in allergen identification, diagnosis, and analyses of potential immunotherapeutics. However, it is important to emphasize that this assay will only be able to identify those allergens to which the human has already been exposed, but will not identify a truly novel allergen, i.e. one that has never been encountered as in its preferred (humanized) configuration.

Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticle (AgNP) From Pandanus odorifer Leaf Extract Exhibits Anti-metastasis and Anti-biofilm Potentials

“…To study the anti-cancer activity of synthesized nanoparticle, the rat basophil leukemia (RBL) cell model has been used (Siraganian et al, 1982; Draberova and Draber, 1991; Zuberi et al, 1994; Sun et al, 2015). RBL-2H3 cells were thawed by gentle agitation in a 37°C water bath and revived at 37°C and 5% CO 2 in Eagle’s minimum essential medium (MEM) with Earl’s balanced salt solution and supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS).…”

RBL cells as models for in vitro studies of mast cells and basophils

“…Stable transfection of RBL cells with the human FcεRI α chain yielded a cell surface expressed receptor that mediated antigen‐induced signaling and mediator release . Such humanized RBL cells were then used to test the capacity of purified peanut allergens to induce degranulation or food allergens . Since then, the RBL cells have also been transfected to express equine and canine high affinity IgE receptor α chains, extending their use to other mammalian species.…”

Selective Cannabinoid Receptor-1 Agonists Regulate Mast Cell Activation in an Oxazolone-Induced Atopic Dermatitis Model

“…During the inflammatory response, histamine increases capillary permeability acting on vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells to recruit various inflammatory cells such as T cells, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells to the allergic region. Little is known regarding endogenous physiological modulators of mast cell activation and histamine release, although there is growing evidence that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) acts as a key modulator of mast cell degranulation 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 . CB1R and CB2R are found in all organs; CB1R is expressed primarily in the CNS 7 , whereas CB2R is mainly localized in the immune system 8 9 .…”

“…The release of inflammatory mediators was downregulated by PEA in cells of a rat basophilic leukemia cell line (RBL-2H3), expressing the CB2R protein 13 . RBL-2H3 cells are commonly used to study the immunoglobulin E (IgE)-Fc epsilon receptor 1 alpha (FcεRI) interaction and signal transduction involved in degranulation since they possess similar functional characteristics as mast cells 14 15 . A recent study has shown that cannabinoids inhibit mast cell activation and maturation in a CB1R-dependent manner 16 17 .…”