Duska Scientific Co.

Philadelphia Health and Education Corporation

Edward S Schulman

Amir Pelleg

Methods for culturing human lung mast cells in the absence of co-culture with feeder cells which are viable for longer than 4 days are provided. Also provided are methods for using these human lung mast cell cultures to assess biological and pharmacological activities of these cells in vivo and to identify modulators of the survival, proliferation, function and phenotypic expression of human lung mast cells. Modulators identified via these cells are useful in the prevention and treatment of diseases involving human lung mast cell function.

Methods for culturing human lung mast cells and uses thereof

Human mast cell activation is modulated by ATP binding to P2-purinoceptors on the mast cell surface. ATP binding to the purinoceptors provides a target for therapeutic intervention for the treatment of disorders characterized by undesireable mast cell mediator release, such as asthma and allergy. Inhibitors of ATP binding to mast cell P2-purinoceptors are useful therapeutic agents for treatments of those disorders. Methods of treatment using agents, and in vitro screening assays for selection of the therapeutic agents, are described.

Screening method for modulation of human mast cell activation

Human mast cell activation is modulated by ATP binding to P2-purinoceptors on the mast cell surface. ATP binding to the purinoceptors provides a target for therapeutic intervention for the treatment of disorders characterized by undesirable mast cell mediator release, such as asthma and allergy. Inhibitors of ATP binding to mast cell P2-purinoceptors are useful therapeutic agents for treatment of those disorders. Methods of treatment using such agents, and in vitro screening assays for selection of the therapeutic agents, are described.

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Philadelphia, PA, United States of America

Edward S Schulman