Chapter 1 - Regulation of Mast Cell and Basophil Development by Stem Cell Factor and Interleukin-3

Abstract

This chapter discusses the effects of two cytokines, the c-kit ligand and the interleukin-3 (IL-3), on mast cell and basophil development, as well as some of the effects of stem cell factor (SCF) on mast cell functions. SCF and IL-3 have distinct roles in mouse mast cell and basophil development. SCF-c-kit interactions are required for physiological mast cell development in mice, as mast cells are ordinarily essentially absent in the tissues of KitW/KitW-νTM mice. Limited development of “mucosal mast cells” occurred in Strongyloides venezuelensis-infected mice that were totally devoid of IL-3, indicating that other cytokines can also promote the development of such mast cells. Results of in vitro analyses, indicate that SCF can have many effects in mast cell development and function: it can maintain mast cell survival, promote chemotaxis or haptotaxis of mast cells and their precursors, promote the proliferation of immature or mature mast cells, promote the maturation of mast cell precursors or immature mast cells and alter the phenotype and mediator content of these cells, directly promote the degranulation and secretion of mediators by mast cells, enhance the mast cells' ability to secrete mediators in response to other signals, including IgE and specific antigen, and alter the expression of other receptors, including those for extracellular matrix components and neuropeptides.