An antigen-activated DFP-inhibitable enzyme controls basophil desensitization.

Diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), an inhibitor of serine esterases, enhances IgE-mediated histamine release from human basophils and blocks the desensitization process (i.e., the antigen-induced hyporesponsiveness) in these cells. Both activities occur at relatively low concentrations of DFP (0.1 to 0.5 mM) and are dependent on an antigen-activated intracellular event: if DFP is removed before antigen addition, it has neither effect. Neither hydrolyzed DFP nor the non-phosphorylating diisopropyl methyl phosphate enhanced histamine release or blocked desensitization. In addition to providing a demonstrable biochemical correlate of desensitization, our data suggest that the desensitization process controls the release of mediators of allergic reactions.