Generation of mast cells from murine stem cell progenitors.

Mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (mBMMCs) are an invaluable tool for the study of mast cell function from wild-type, knockout, and transgenic mice. This method describes the isolation of mast cell progenitors from the bone marrow of mouse femurs and their subsequent culture in an IL-3-rich culture medium. After 4 weeks, mBMMCs are obtained in high number and are of high purity. Assessment of their granularity by toluidine staining and IgE receptor expression by flow cytometry are also described. These cells are a useful tool in the determination of mast cell function in innate and adaptive immunity.