Long-term survival of the mouse ES cell-derived mast cell, MEDMC-BRC6, in mast cell-deficient Kitw-sh/w-sh mice

Mast cells (MCs) play pivotal roles in allergic reactions and the host defense against microbial infection through the IgE-dependent and IgE-independent signaling pathways. MC lines that can be analyzed both in vitro and in vivo would be useful for the study of MC-dependent immune responses. Here, we investigated the functional characteristics of a mouse embryonic stem cell-derived MC-like cell line, MEDMC-BRC6. The cell line expressed Fc epsilon RI and c-Kit and showed degranulation and production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including TNF-alpha, IL-6 and MCP-1, upon cross-linking FceRI with IgE. These cytokines and chemokines were also produced by the cell line by stimulation of TLR2 and TLR4. MEDMC-BRC6 survived in the peritoneal cavity and the ear skin for at least 6 months after the transfer into genetically compatible MC-deficient Kit(W-sh/W-sh) mice, in which systemic anaphylaxis was successfully induced. Thus, MEDMC-BRC6 cells represent a potent tool for investigating the functions of MCs in vitro and in vivo.