Table 1.
The table below lists the growth factors and cytokines that are involved in MC growth and differentiation in human systems [9]
| Cytokine | Receptor | Effect on human MCs |
|---|---|---|
| SCF | Kit | Directly stimulates proliferation of committed progenitors Induces granulation and connective tissue proteases |
| IL-3 | IL-3R | Directly stimulates proliferation of uncommitted progenitors No promotion of granule assembly |
| IL-4 | IL-4R | Depends on the MC subtype or cytokine milieu |
| IL-5 | IL-5R | Co-factor for proliferation |
| IL-6 | IL-6R | Co-factor for proliferation or inhibition |
| IL-9 | IL-9R | Co-factor for proliferation |
| IL-10 | IL-10R | Not clearly characterized |
| IFN-γ | INF-γR | Inhibits proliferation |
| NGF | NGFR | Inhibits apoptosis in the presence of SCF |
| TGF-β | TGF βR | Inhibits proliferation |
| GM-CSF | GM-CSFR | Inhibits proliferation |
| TPO | TPOR | Induces MC development |
MC, mast cell; SCF, stem cell factor; IL, interleukin; IFN, interferon; NGF, nerve growth factor; TGF, transforming growth factor; GM-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor; TPO, thrombopoietin.