Sialylation Modulates Basophil Responsiveness to Galectin-3-dependent Activation

Basophils secrete histamine and IL-4/13 when co-cultured with human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549 cells). Previous studies have revealed that this interaction is dependent on Galectin-3 expression on the surface of A549 cells (EC-Gal-3), IgE present on the surface of IL-3 primed basophils, and direct physical interaction between the two cell types, indicating a cognate interaction between IgE and Gal-3. Reciprocal secretion of pro-tumorigenic cytokines (IL-6/VEGF-A) from A549 cells also results. Here, we further define the biological parameters required for this mode of activation. EC-Gal-3 stimulus has ∼ 20-fold less IgE cross-linking capacity compared with standard anti-IgE. The capacity of IgE-bearing basophils to elicit an EC-Gal-3-mediated response correlates with their responsiveness to standard anti-IgE stimulation, which is known to vary widely among individuals. However, unlike standard anti-IgE stimulation, basophil releasability in response to EC-Gal-3 is influenced by glycosylation patterns on surface-bound IgE. Specifically, bulk sialylation on IgE molecules suppress cellular releasability. Whole cell basophil sialylation also suppresses EC-Gal-3 mediated activation. Gal-3 is an endogenous lectin with multivalent binding capacity and is implicated in a range of diseases involving immune modulation, organ fibrosis, and tumor metastasis. These results can help identify specific physiological and pathophysiological conditions by which IgE:Gal-3 interactions help drive disease processes including wound healing, cancer, and fibrosis, including that which occurs in asthma.