Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL are indispensable for the late phase of mast cell development from mouse embryonic stem cells
Christine Möller1, Mats Karlberg, Magnus Abrink
1Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Christine.Moller@ki.se
Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the importance of the prosurvival factors Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL for mast cell development and survival.
Methods:
bcl-x(-/-) and bcl-2(-/-) mouse embryonic stem cells were maintained in medium supplemented with either interleukin (IL)-3 or IL-3 in combination with stem cell factor (SCF) to favor mast cell development. The development of Bcl-2 family deficient embryonic stem cell-derived mast cells (ESMCs) was monitored and Bcl-2 family gene expression and cell numbers were analyzed.
Results:
Deficiency in either bcl-x or bcl-2 totally inhibited the development of ESMCs when IL-3 alone was used as a mast cell growth factor. Intriguingly, when IL-3 was used in combination with SCF, the ESMCs developed normally the first 2 weeks but thereafter the cell numbers dropped drastically. The remaining ESMCs express mouse mast cell protease 1, suggesting a mucosal-like phenotype. ESMCs lacking bcl-x or bcl-2 exhibited strong expression of A1, another prosurvival Bcl-2 family member.
Conclusion:
For the first time we provide direct evidence that both bcl-x and bcl-2 are indispensable for mast cell survival during the late phase of their development.
Related Concept Videos
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

