Mast cell growth‐enhancing activity (MEA) is structurally related and functionally identical to the novel mouse T cell growth factor P40/TCGFIII (interleukin 9)

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Abstract
We have previously shown that certain bone marrow‐derived mast cell (BMMC) lines proliferate in response to a mast cell growth‐enhancing activity (MEA) that is distinct from interleukin (IL) 3 and IL 4. Here we provide evidence that MEA is identical with the recently cloned mouse T cell growth factor P40. The evidence is as follows: (a) recombinant P40 displayed all the biological activities ascribed to MEA: it supported the growth of MEA‐sensitive BMMC lines, it induced IL 6 secretion by these cells, and it enhanced survival of primary mast cell cultures; (b) highly purified MEA stimulated the growth of P40‐dependent cell lines; (c) a rabbit monospecific antiserum directed against P40 specifically inhibited the action of MEA on BMMC; (d) specific binding sites for P40 were detected on BMMC and (e) MEA competed with P40 for binding to P40‐dependent T cells, indicating that the two molecules interact with the same receptor. These observations further extend the range of biological activities ascribed to P40 and warrant its proposed designation as IL 9.
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