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

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.

Antigen-specific Immunotherapy Regulates B Cell Activities in the Intestine

“…Assay for ␤-Hexosaminidase-The release of a preformed granular enzyme, ␤-hexosaminidase, in mast cells correlates well with histamine release (15). Finally, 40 l of each supernatant was transferred to a fresh 96-well plate and mixed with 50 l of substrate solution (5 mm 4-nitrophenyl N-acetyl-␤-D-glucosaminide in 50 mM citric acid buffer, pH 4.5).…”

Effects of extracts and compounds from Tricholoma populinum Lange on degranulation and IL-2/IL-8 secretion of immune cells

“…The present article describes the biological effects of fruiting body extracts from the T. populinum mushroom on the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells. RBL-2H3 is a tumorigenic rat basophilic cell line [10], which is widely used for investigations on degranulation and its mechanistic aspects [11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. Furthermore, the influence on IL-2 release of Jurkat T cells, IL-8 release from mast cell line HMC-1, and cytotoxicity were tested.…”

Acceleration of Cell Proliferation and Gene Expression in Human Chondrosarcoma Cells Stimulated by Strong Pulse Magnetic Field

“…P. Diniz et al found that the stimulatory effect of PEMF with the 15 Hz pulse burst and 7 mTesla on bone-tissue-like formations was associated with the increase in the number of cells and the enhancement of the cellular differentiation [6]. Most researchers had reported the positive efficacy of exposure to electromagnetic fields on basic cellular functions such as control of cell proliferation, protein synthesis, gene transcription and expression, ion transport, ligand-receptor binding events, neurite outgrowth, and protein kinase activation, among others [7].…”