P815 Syngeneic Model Overview
The P815 syngeneic model is a murine mastocytoma (mast cell tumor) system derived from DBA/2 mice. It is one of the most historically important and widely characterized tumor models in immuno-oncology, originally developed in the 1950s as a tool for studying tumor immunogenicity and cytotoxic T-cell responses. P815 tumors exhibit aggressive growth and a strong immune-reactive phenotype, making them a cornerstone in studies of tumor rejection, immunotherapy, and cytokine-mediated immune activation.
When implanted subcutaneously or intraperitoneally, P815 cells generate rapidly proliferating tumors with consistent kinetics. The model’s high immunogenicity and well-defined tumor antigens (such as the P1A antigen) make it particularly suitable for mechanistic research on immune recognition, T-cell activation, and adoptive immunotherapy in an immunocompetent DBA/2 background.
Request a Custom Quote for P815 Syngeneic ModelBiological and Molecular Characteristics
The P815 cell line was derived from a spontaneous mastocytoma in a DBA/2 mouse and is composed of neoplastic mast cells that produce characteristic granules containing histamine and heparin. P815 cells express MHC class I molecules and tumor-specific antigens, including P1A, which can elicit strong cytotoxic T-cell responses. These features have made the model a central system for dissecting tumor immunogenicity and T-cell–mediated immunity.
Molecular analyses reveal that P815 tumors express c-Kit and FcεRI, consistent with mast cell lineage, and demonstrate constitutive activation of STAT3 and PI3K-AKT pathways, supporting proliferation and survival. The tumor microenvironment features a rich inflammatory milieu, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and T lymphocytes, enabling detailed investigation of immune cell crosstalk.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Host strain | DBA/2 (female, 6–8 weeks) |
| Tumor origin | Spontaneous mastocytoma (mouse) |
| Histological type | Mast cell tumor |
| Inoculation route | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal |
| Tumor take rate | >95% |
| Doubling time | Approximately 3–4 days in vivo |
| Metastatic potential | Low; local growth predominates |
| Immunophenotype | c-Kit⁺, FcεRI⁺, MHC-I⁺, PD-L1⁺ |
| Common applications | Immunogenicity studies, immunotherapy, adoptive T-cell transfer, cytokine research |
In Vivo Model Development and Tumorigenicity
The P815 model is typically established through subcutaneous or intraperitoneal inoculation of viable tumor cells into immunocompetent DBA/2 mice. Subcutaneous tumors exhibit predictable growth kinetics and are ideal for assessing anti-tumor efficacy and immune response modulation. Intraperitoneal models produce disseminated disease and ascites, suitable for evaluating systemic immune effects and therapeutic interventions.
Tumors develop rapidly within 4–6 days post-inoculation, reaching measurable size by one week. Due to its strong immunogenicity, the P815 model has been extensively used to study tumor rejection, antigen-specific cytotoxicity, and immunotherapy-mediated tumor clearance. The well-characterized immune recognition pathways and high reproducibility make P815 a preferred system for preclinical immuno-oncology experiments.
Request a Custom Quote for P815 Syngeneic ModelHistopathology and Immunohistochemical Profile
Histopathological analysis of P815 tumors reveals densely packed neoplastic mast cells with granular cytoplasm, round nuclei, and moderate pleomorphism. The tumors display sheet-like architecture with scattered connective tissue and areas of vascularization. Intraperitoneal variants often exhibit peritoneal seeding and infiltration into visceral organs.
Immunohistochemical staining confirms expression of c-Kit and FcεRI, consistent with mast cell lineage. Ki-67 staining shows high proliferative activity, while PD-L1 is expressed at moderate levels, indicating immune-regulatory capacity. Inflammatory cell infiltration is prominent, with CD3- and CD8-positive T cells, CD11b-positive myeloid cells, and F4/80-positive macrophages contributing to a complex and reactive tumor microenvironment. These histological features accurately mirror the immune-active and cytokine-rich context typical of mast cell neoplasms.
Preclinical Applications and Drug Response
The P815 syngeneic model is extensively used to study tumor immunogenicity, immune escape, and adaptive immune response mechanisms. It has played a pivotal role in elucidating antigen-specific T-cell recognition and in the preclinical testing of cytokines, checkpoint inhibitors, and adoptive T-cell therapies. The P1A antigen system in P815 provides a well-defined target for evaluating tumor rejection and immune tolerance.
P815 tumors exhibit measurable sensitivity to immunotherapy-based interventions, including IL-2 administration, T-cell transfer, and combination cytokine treatments. The model is also used for studying mechanisms of immune evasion, antigen loss variants, and tumor–immune system coevolution. Due to its reproducibility, defined immunogenic profile, and strong translational relevance, the P815 system remains a foundational model for advancing modern immuno-oncology research.
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To request the P815 syngeneic model for your preclinical studies, please use the form below. A customized quote and additional model specifications will be provided upon inquiry.
Request a Custom Quote for P815 Syngeneic Model