Increased secretion of TNF-alpha by costimulation of mast cells via CD28 and Fc epsilon RI

The present study unequivocally demonstrated the expression of CD28 on murine bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells and a mast cell line, MCP-5. Stimulation of surface CD28 molecules on mast cells with anti-CD28 mAbs induced tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins, including several protein tyrosine kinases and their substrates, such as Itk/Emt (Emt), Btk, Syk, c-Cbl, Shc, and Vav. CD28-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation was followed by a rebound hypophosphorylation. Interestingly, CD28 stimulation alone elicited a low level secretion of TNF-alpha. On the other hand, cross-linking of the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) on mast cells induces a set of activation events, i.e., degranulation, secretion of eicosanoids, secretion of cytokines, and DNA synthesis. Concurrent stimulation of mast cells through CD28 enhanced Fc epsilon RI-induced TNF-alpha secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Together, the present data suggest a role for CD28-mediated costimulation of mast cells in the initiation and progression of allergic responses and other diseases.