Stem cell factor in allergic diseases: mechanisms of type 2 immunity and therapeutic opportunities
Stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-Kit regulate the development, survival, tissue localization, and activation of several immune populations central to allergic disease. This review examines how the SCF220 and SCF248 isoforms shape c-Kit signaling in mast cells, group 2 innate lymphoid cells, eosinophils, dendritic cells, and basophils; how stromal and epithelial sources of SCF sustain allergic inflammation; and how this pathway contributes to disease severity and tissue remodeling. We also discuss the therapeutic potential and limitations of targeting SCF, or specific SCF isoforms, in allergic disease.
Authors
- Ramón Ocádiz-Ruiz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2288-2174)
- Sarita Montaño (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0420-4268)
- Wendy Fonseca (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8982-4633)
- Nicholas W. Lukacs (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2403-6481)
Institutions
- University of Michigan (US)
- Michigan Medicine (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Immunology
- Published
- 2026-10-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.2009363
- Primary Topic
- Mast cells and histamine
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Institute for Health and Care Research
- National Institutes of Health