Proteomic identification and characterization of secreted N-glycosylated NPC2 following cross-linking of the high-affinity receptor for IgE on mast cells.

Allergen-mediated cross-linking of the high-affinity receptor for IgE on mast cells triggers the release of diverse preformed and de novo synthesized immunoregulatory mediators that further the allergic response. A proteomic screen applied to the detection of proteins secreted by the model rat mast cell line, RBL-2H3 (rat basophilic leukaemia, subline 2H3.1), led to the identification of the cholesterol-binding glycoprotein, NPC2/RE1 (Niemann-Pick Type C2/epididymal secretory protein 1). Glycosylated NPC2 is secreted early in response to an IgE-mediated stimulus and co-localizes with the lysosomal membrane marker, CD63. NPC2 belongs to the ML (MD-2-related lipid-recognition) protein family (155 members), which includes the Toll-like receptor co-factors, MD-1 and MD-2, and perhaps most interestingly, seven major house dust mite allergens of unknown function (including Der p 2 and Der f 2). Possible role(s) for the protein in the allergic response and future applications of this approach are discussed.