Genes expected to be absent, or expressed at a notably low level, in these cells, and whose absence supports the assignment of this cell annotation.
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Rationale
KIT and CPA3 are canonical markers of mast cells. KIT (CD117) is a receptor tyrosine kinase essential for mast cell development, survival, and activation, and is highly expressed on mast cells. CPA3 (carboxypeptidase A3) is a mast cell–specific granule protease reflecting their secretory and effector function. KIT and CPA3 reliably identify mast cells and distinguish them from other immune cell populations.
