Cytokine-induced human basophil/mast cell growth and differentiation in vitro

The growth and differentiation in vitro of rodent mast cells, a process dependent upon interleukin (IL)-3, has already been well established. Only recently, however, have the mechanisms underlying the development in vitro of human metachromatic cells (basophils and mast cells) begun to be delineated. Precursors of human metachromatic cells are found in bone marrow, peripheral blood, cord blood, fetal liver and are represented by some leukemic …