Patients with nut allergy have increased basophil CD203c levels

Basophils contribute to anaphylaxis and allergies. The researchers examined the utility of assessing basophil-associated surface antigens (CD11b/CD63/CD123/CD203c/CD294) in characterizing and monitoring subjects with nut allergy.


Basophil granulocyte. Image source: Wikipedia.

CD203c levels increased in nut allergy

Basophil CD203c levels were increased at baseline in subjects with nut allergy compared to healthy controls.

Increased expression of CD203c occurred when basophils were stimulated with the allergen.

CD203c expression was decreased after 4 and 8 weeks of omalizumab (anti-IgE, Xolair) treatment but returned to baseline after treatment was stopped.

Subjects with nut allergy showed an increased CD203c level at baseline, and following stimulation with nut allergen. Both can be reduced by omalizumab therapy.

These results highlight the potential of using basophil CD203c levels for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring in subjects with nut allergy.

Application of CD203c testing beyond food allergy

The same CD marker, CD203c, is used to test for Anti-FceR1 Autoantibodies in Chronic Urticaria.



Anti-FceR1 autoantibodies in chronic autoimmune urticaria: IgG against FceRI (receptor for IgE) (click to enlarge the image).

Basophil expression levels of CD203c might be used to monitor asthma control.

References:

Basophil CD203c levels are increased at baseline and can be used to monitor omalizumab treatment in subjects with nut allergy. Gernez Y, Tirouvanziam R, Yu G, Ghosn EE, Reshamwala N, Nguyen T, Tsai M, Galli SJ, Herzenberg LA, Herzenberg LA, Nadeau KC. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2011;154(4):318-27. Epub 2010 Oct 25.