Peripheral blood cultured mast cells: Phenotypic and functional outcomes of different culture protocols

Mast cells (MCs) play a pivotal role in innate and adaptive immune responses. However, MCs are also involved different pathologic conditions. Studies on the mechanisms that govern human MC functions impeded by their limited difficult recovery. Therefore, several research groups have developed protocols to culture from progenitor cells. These vary with respect duration used maturation cytokines. How obtained differ phenotype functionality is currently unknown. To compare for generation of peripheral blood progenitors. Thirteen paired cultures were investigated. cultured form CD34+ progenitors 4 or 8 weeks without addition IL-6. Phenotyping comprised staining CD117, CD203c, Fc?RI, MRGPRX2, CD300a CD32. Functional studies included measurements up-regulation CD63 CD203c after allergen-specific cross-linking sIgE/Fc?RI complexes ligation MRGPRX2 substance P drugs. Cell presence IL-6 consistently yielded highest numbers MCs. showed more autofluorescence significantly impeding correct analyses Fc?RI The density CD32 was comparable between expression higher week cultures. increased Cells responsive activation. In contrast, 4-weeks Four sufficient generate sizeable mast progenitors, thereby enabling simultaneous exploration non-specific activation via MRGPRX2.