Dermal Extracellular Matrix-Derived Hydrogels as an In Vitro Substrate to Study Mast Cell Maturation.

ABSTRACT: Mast cells (MCs) are pro-inflammatory tissue-resident immune cells that play a key role in inflammation. MCs circulate in peripheral blood as progenitors and undergo terminal differentiation in the tissue microenvironment where they can remain for many years. This in situ maturation results in tissue- and species-specific MC phenotypes, culminating in significant variability in response to environmental stimuli. There are many challenges associated with studying mature tissue-derived MCs, particularly in humans. In cases where cultured MCs are able to differentiate in two-dimensional in vitro cultures, there remains an inability for full maturation. Extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds provide for a more physiologically relevant environment for cells in vitro and have

SUBMITTER: Ozpinar EW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8403210 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature