hmc1

HMC-1 is a human mast cell leukemia cell line used in immunology and hematology research. It was established from a patient with mast cell leukemia and has since served as a model for studying mast cell biology, signaling pathways, and pharmacological responses related to mast cell activation and proliferation.

Two commonly used sublines exist: HMC-1.1 and HMC-1.2. Both express markers typical of mast cells, including CD117 (KIT) and FcεRI, and they depend on growth factors such as stem cell factor (SCF) for in vitro growth. The sublines differ in KIT mutations: HMC-1.1 carries a KIT V560G mutation, whereas HMC-1.2 harbors both V560G and the activating D816V mutation. The D816V alteration is associated with constitutive KIT signaling and resistance to certain tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

In culture, HMC-1 cells grow as a suspension cell line in standard mammalian media, often supplemented with SCF. They are capable of degranulation and can secrete histamine and various cytokines, making them useful for studying mast cell responses, signaling through KIT and FcεRI, and the effects of pharmacological agents on mast cell activity.

Applications and limitations: HMC-1 cells are widely used to investigate KIT-driven signaling, mast cell biology, and the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, as a cancer-derived model, they may not fully recapitulate normal mast cell physiology, and genetic differences between sublines can influence experimental outcomes. They are typically used in conjunction with other cell models and primary cells to corroborate findings.