Mast Cell Activation Test (MAT)

The mast cell (MC) activation assay is a robust in vitro tool for exploring MC reactivity in allergy. Here we describe the use of the mast cell activation test (MAT) that makes use of human primary MCs generated from peripheral blood progenitors, sensitized overnight with patients’ sera and activated with allergens. Flow cytometry is used to assess the changes in expression of the activation marker CD63, and the percentage of cell degranulation is defined as the percentage of CD63+-positive MCs.