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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
C/EBPα controls mast cell function
Kazumi Kasakura1, Kyoko Takahashi2, Tomoko Itoh2
1College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) is a transcription factor that influences immune cell fate and differentiation. However, the effect of C/EBPα on mast cells is not fully understood. In this study, we showed that C/EBPα suppressed granule formation in mast cells and increased macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 production from mast cells upon bacterial stimulation. These results indicate that C/EBPα regulates the balance between the allergic response and the innate immune response of mast cells. Furthermore, we showed that stimulation of mast cells with the Lactobacillus casei JCM1134(T) strain during late differentiation up-regulated C/EBPα expression in differentiated mast cells. This suggests that intestinal commensal bacteria modulate C/EBPα expression and thereby regulate mast cell function.
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