RBL-2H3 Cells

The RBL-2H3 cell line has become a valuable tool for studying mast cell physiology. RBL-2H3 cells express rat mast cell protease II (RMCP-II) and the c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase, making them a potential model for mast cells. However, conflicting and sometimes misleading data about RBL-2H3 cells have been reported. RBL-2H3 cells have been widely used to investigate various aspects of mast cell function, including degranulation, mast cell stabilizers, and the interaction of FceRI receptors with the cytoskeleton. They express high-affinity IgE receptors and can be activated to secrete histamine and other mediators. Cultivating RBL-2H3 cells is relatively easy, and longer culturing times result in higher cell density. Degranulation is a key feature of RBL-2H3 cells, similar to mast cells and basophils. When allergens crosslink their IgE-bound FceRI receptors, RBL-2H3 cells release preformed and newly synthesized mediators, contributing to immune allergic responses. The degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells has provided insights into basophil degranulation as well. These cells can also undergo degranulation in response to non-immunological stimuli, and there are differences between MMC, RBL-2H3, and CTMC.The role of calcium in RBL-2H3 cell degranulation is significant. The calcium ionophore A23187, which increases intracellular calcium levels, induces degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells, similar to mast cells and basophils. Some studies have described RBL-2H3 cells as a serotonin-releasing cell line.