Signaling pathways activated in a unique mast cell line where interleukin-3 supports survival and stem cell factor is required for a proliferative response

Stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin-3 (IL-3) both act on several target hematopoietic populations, including mast cells. We have isolated a unique murine mast cell line, B6M, that is phenotypically similar to immature mast cells. For B6M cells, IL-3 is a survival factor and alone does not stimulate proliferation. SCF can stimulate proliferation of B6M cells, and together IL-3 and SCF synergize to stimulate optimal proliferation and long-term growth. A sustained induction of c-myc is observed only in the presence of SCF (with or without IL-3). In B6M cells, both IL-3 and SCF stimulate phosphorylation of Shc and activation of the Ras, Raf-1, MAPK pathway. Interestingly, IL-3 plus SCF synergistically activate MAPK. IL-3, but not SCF, leads to activation of Jak 2 and Stat 5 and induces pim-1 expression. From these data, we suggest that the induction of pim-1 and c-myc is independently regulated. Furthermore, IL-3-stimulated activation of the Jak 2/Stat 5 pathway, induction of pim-1, and activation of the Ras/MAPK pathway are insufficient to mediate proliferation of B6M cells. The unusual IL-3 response of B6M cells provides a useful model to dissect signals required for IL-3-stimulated survival and proliferation.