A NOVEL IN VITRO MODEL OF MATURE SEROSAL-TYPE MAST CELLS FOR THE ANALYSIS OF AUTOIMMUNE AND ALLERGIC INFLAMMATION

摘要

The present invention relates to peritoneal cell-derived mast cells that are able to respond to IgG antibodies. These cell-derived mast cells can be expanded in vitro by culturing peritoneal mast cells with SCF. Further, the present invention relates to cell-models using the peritoneal cell-derived mast cells that respond to IgG stimuli. The cell-models of the present invention are applicable to dermatology, immunology, neurology and rheumatology. In a preferred embodiment, the cell-models of the present invention find utility as a model of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.