FUT6 deficiency compromises basophil function by selectively abrogating their sialyl-Lewis x expression

Commun Biol. 2021 Jul 2;4(1):832. doi: 10.1038/s42003-021-02295-8.

Abstract

Sialyl-Lewis x (sLex, CD15s) is a tetra-saccharide on the surface of leukocytes required for E-selectin-mediated rolling, a prerequisite for leukocytes to migrate out of the blood vessels. Here we show using flow cytometry that sLex expression on basophils and mast cell progenitors depends on fucosyltransferase 6 (FUT6). Using genetic association data analysis and qPCR, the cell type-specific defect was associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FUT6 gene region (tagged by rs17855739 and rs778798), affecting coding sequence and/or expression level of the mRNA. Heterozygous individuals with one functional FUT6 gene harbor a mixed population of sLex+ and sLex- basophils, a phenomenon caused by random monoallelic expression (RME). Microfluidic assay demonstrated FUT6-deficient basophils rolling on E-selectin is severely impaired. FUT6 null alleles carriers exhibit elevated blood basophil counts and a reduced itch sensitivity against insect bites. FUT6-deficiency thus dampens the basophil-mediated allergic response in the periphery, evident also in lower IgE titers and reduced eosinophil counts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Basophils / cytology
  • Basophils / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cohort Studies
  • E-Selectin / metabolism
  • Fucosyltransferases / deficiency
  • Fucosyltransferases / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods
  • Gene Expression*
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Leukocyte Rolling / genetics
  • Leukocyte Rolling / physiology
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Sialyl Lewis X Antigen / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • E-Selectin
  • SELE protein, human
  • Sialyl Lewis X Antigen
  • Fucosyltransferases
  • FUT6 protein, human