A microtiter plate assay for detecting IgE-binding molecules and cells bearing Fc receptors for IgE.

A microtiter plate assay is described for detecting cells bearing Fc receptors for IgE (Fc epsilon receptors) and for assaying IgE-binding molecules. Cells are bound specifically to IgE-coated wells of microtiter plates, and the bound cells are enumerated in a quantitative colorimetric assay. IgE-binding molecules and monoclonal antibodies are assayed as inhibitors of the IgE-dependent cell binding. Major advantages of the plate assay compared to rosetting assays are its ability to accommodate many test samples for replicates and titrations and the ease with which results are read out. The versatility of the assay is discussed with respect to detecting other immunoglobulin Fc receptor-bearing cells.