Stem Cell Related Patent Number US7070996

Production of cultured human mast cells and basophils for high throughput small molecule drug discovery

Rossi, Alexander B.; San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Herein is described a method of producing a proliferated population of CD34-negative progenitor cells, by contacting CD34-positive cells with flt-3 ligand and stem cell factor. The invention relates to methods for producing and screening proliferated populations of CD34-negative progenitor cells, mucosal mast cells, connective tissue-type mast cells and basophil cells, such that a uniform population of cells proliferate. The size of the population is suitable for use in high throughput screening methods, for example, screening for agents that alter exocytosis. Further disclosed are methods for screening the proliferated populations with at least one candidate bioactive agent, and evaluating the cells to detect a cell with an altered phenotype. Methods of generating hematopoietic cells such as basophil cells are included.

Application Number: US2001000053355

Date Filed: 11/08/01

Dated Published: 07/04/06

Assignee: Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America