Human mast cell migration in response to members of the transforming growth factor-beta family

Mast cells are known to accumulate at sites of inflammation, however, the chemotaxins involved remain largely undefined. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) isoforms regulate numerous cellular functions, including cell growth and differentiation, formation of extracellular matrix, and the immune response. In this study we have compared the potency of different members of the TGF‐β family as human mast cell chemotaxins, and analyzed the expression of TGF‐β binding proteins on human mast cells. We were able to demonstrate that the maximal chemotactic response was attained at approximately 40 fM for the three TGF‐β isoforms, with TGF‐β3 being more effective than TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 at this concentration. This effect was observed in both the HMC‐1 human mast cell line and in cultured primary mast cells. In addition, TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, and less efficiently, TGF‐β3 inhibited the proliferation of HMC‐1 cells. The migratory response is probably mediated through interaction with the TGF‐β serine/threonine type I and II receptors that were found to be expressed on the cells. No expression of TGF‐β type III receptor, endoglin, or the endothelial TGF‐β type I receptor ALK‐1 could be detected. These results provide evidence that TGF‐β isoforms are highly potent chemotaxins for human mast cells and can play an important role in the recruitment of mast cells in inflammatory reactions. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 350–356; 2000.