TSLP Reporter HEK 293 Cells

Cell line description

HEK-Blue™ TSLP cells were generated by stable transfection of the human embryonic kidney HEK293 cell line with the genes encoding human TSLPR, IL-7Rα, and STAT5 genes, to obtain a fully active TSLP signaling pathway. In addition, a STAT5-inducible secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter gene was also introduced. Upon TSLP stimulation, HEK-Blue™ TSLP cells trigger the JAK/STAT5 activation and the subsequent secretion of SEAP, which can be readily monitored using QUANTI-Blue™ Solution, a SEAP detection medium. HEK-Blue™ TSLP cells detect human but not murine TSLP. Notably, these cells also respond, albeit to a lesser extent, to human IFN-γ. However, they do not respond to other STAT5-signaling cytokines: IL-2, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15.

TSLP background

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine produced by epithelial and stromal cells in barrier tissues as well as innate immune cells such as dendritic cells, basophils and mast cells. It has pleiotropic actions on a wide range of immune and non-immune cell types [1]. TSLP belongs to the common γ chain (γc) cytokine family. Its receptor comprises the IL-7Rα (CD127) and TSLPR (CRLF2), a γc-like subunit. It signals through tyrosine kinases of the Janus family (JAK1 and JAK2) and signal transducer and transcription activators (STATs), notably STAT5 [1]. TSLP is a pleiotropic cytokine best known as a critical mediator of type 2 immune responses and a promoter of Th2 cell-mediated diseases (e.g. asthma) [1,2]. Emerging evidence indicates that TSLP is also implicated in viral infections, cancer, chronic inflammation and fat metabolism [1].

1. Ebina-Shibuya R. and Leonard WJ., 2023. Role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in allergy and beyond. Nat Rev Immunol, 23(1):24-37.
2. Schmitt P. et al., 2024. TL1A is an epithelial alarmin that cooperates with IL-33 for initiation of allergic airway inflammation. J Exp Med. 221(6) e20231236.