Stimulates the proliferation of mast cells. Able to augment the proliferation of both myeloid and lymphoid hematopoietic progenitors in bone marrow culture. Mediates also cell-cell adhesion. Acts synergistically with other cytokines, probably interleukins (By similarity). Homodimer, non-covalently linked. A soluble form is produced by proteolytic processing of the extracellular domain. Belongs to the SCF family.