Novel six-week protocol for generating functional human connective tissue-type (MC

The aim of this study was to develop a novel protocol for generating large populations of fully mature and functional human mast cells (HMC) from CD34 CD34 We have developed a novel protocol that can generate large homogenous populations of mature and functional HMC in 6 weeks. These cells expressed both tryptase and chymase and were activated by anti-IgE, cationic peptides and calcium ionophores. Moreover, IgE-dependent activation of these cells was significantly inhibited by anti-inflammatory drugs. The morphological and functional characteristics of these mast cells resembled those of MC Our protocol represents a novel time-saving and economical approach for generating large numbers of primary HMC for functional studies of mast cell biology and for profiling novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents with mast cell-inhibitory properties in humans.