LUVA Human Mast Cell Line

Mast cells are a type of granulocyte that are important components for the immune system and the process of inflammation. When activated, they will release compounds inducing an inflammatory response and anaphylaxis. They are also directly involved in causing allergies and related disorders. Previously, mast cell lines such as LAD2 were used as in vitro cell models for studying mast cells. However, they were unstable and inconsistent for culturing.¹A new mast cell line was developed and given the name of LUVA cells, which mirror the morphology and functionality of human mast cells.

The CD34+ mast cells were cultured for 8 weeks with stem cell factor and cultured with IL-6 and IL-3 for only one week. The stable LUVA cells were maintained and became capable of growing without further addition of growth factors in culture, making them highly convenient for culturing. They are the first mast cell line in which the donor patient did not have a mast cell disorder, as well as having no mutation in the c-kit receptor.1

The LUVA cell line allows for a proper in vitro mast cell model in which researchers can study the mechanisms which cause mastocytosis, a condition where mast cells aggregate in certain parts of the body.² This condition results in a higher risk of life-threatening allergic reactions as well as rarely resulting in mast cell cancers. Commonly, mastocytosis is caused by a mutation of the c-KIT protein, a receptor tyrosine kinase. By understanding c-KIT mechanisms, therapies can continue to develop and improve for mastocytosis patients.

Source: The LUVA mast cell line was derived from CD34+ cells of a non-mastocytosis donor with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

References
1. Laidlaw, T.M., et al. Characterization of a novel human mast cell line that responds to stem cell factor and expresses functional FcεRI. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 127:815-822.e5 (2011)

The LUVA cell line is a human mast cell in vitro cell model used to study the mechanisms which cause mastocytosis, inflamation and allergic responses.

LUVA human mast cells should be stored in liquid nitrogen. The cells can be cultured for at least 10 passages without significantly affecting cell marker expression and function.

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