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01-11-2009 | Review

The RBL-2H3 cell line: its provenance and suitability as a model for the mast cell

Authors: Egle Passante, Neil Frankish

Published in: Inflammation Research | Issue 11/2009

Abstract

The RBL-2H3 cell line is a commonly used histamine-releasing cell line used in inflammation, allergy and immunological research. Quite commonly, it is referred to in research papers as a mast cell line, despite the fact that it is derived from basophils. There is also a lack of consistency, both between different research groups using the same cell line and with both mast cell and basophil physiology. The review follows the development of the RBL-2H3 cell line from its inception and then goes on to assess the nature of the cell line in terms of its characteristics and its response to various stimuli. The relationship of this cell line to the various mast cell subtypes and basophils is discussed and it is concluded that while the RBL-2H3 cell line shares some characteristics with both mast cells and basophils, it is not fully representative of either.

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Title: The RBL-2H3 cell line: its provenance and suitability as a model for the mast cell
Authors: Egle Passante
Neil Frankish
Publication date: 01-11-2009
Publisher: SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in: Inflammation Research / Issue 11/2009
Print ISSN: 1023-3830
Electronic ISSN: 1420-908X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-009-0074-y

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