Stem Cell Factor–Dependent Survival, Proliferation and Enhanced Releasability of Purified Mature Mast Cells Isolated from Human Intestinal Tissue

Abstract

We show that mature human intestinal MC can be purified, maintained in culture, and triggered for proliferation in the presence of SCF. After culture, they are viable, release high amounts of mediators and cytokines upon stimulation, and thus are a valuable tool for further experiments on human mucosal MC.