Regulation of Mast Cell Proliferation, Maturation and Function by Stem Cell Factor, a Ligand for the c-kit Receptor

Mast cell development in mice is critically regulated by stem cell factor (SCF), a product of fibroblasts and other cell types which is a ligand for the tyrosine kinase receptor protein encoded by the proto-oncogene c-kit. In mice, recombinant SCF influences the migration, proliferation and maturation of cells in the mast cell lineage. Recombinant SCF also promotoes mast cell development in rats and nonhuman primates. Recombinant SCF can induce c-kit receptor-dependent activation and mediator release from some populations of mouse mast cells. In isolated human skin mast cells, recombinant SCF can induce mediator release directly and augment the cells' ability to release mediators in response to stimulation through the FcεRI receptor. These findings suggest that changes in levels of endogenous SCF may contribute to the alterations in the numbers of mast cells which have been observed in association with a variety of disease processes and other biological responses. They also raise the possibility that endogenous SCF may contribute to the regulation of mast cell function unter physiological or pathological conditions, and during IgE-dependent immunological responses.