Title:Mast Cells as a Double-Edged Sword in Immunity: Their Function in Health and Disease. First of Two Parts
Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Author(s): Thea Magrone*, Manrico Magrone and Emilio Jirillo
Affiliation:
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari,Italy
Keywords:
Allergy, basophils, eosinophils, inflammation, mast cells, receptors.
Abstract: Mast cells (MCs) have recently been re-interpreted in the context of the immune scenario in
the sense that their pro-allergic role is no longer exclusive. In fact, MCs even in steady state conditions
maintain homeostatic functions, producing mediators and intensively cross-talking with other immune
cells. Here, emphasis will be placed on the array of receptors expressed by MCs and the variety of
cytokines they produce. Then, the bulk of data discussed will provide readers with a wealth of information
on the dual ability of MCs not only to defend but also to offend the host. This double attitude of
MCs relies on many variables, such as their subsets, tissues of residency and type of stimuli ranging
from microbes to allergens and food antigens. Finally, the relationship between MCs with basophils
and eosinophils will be discussed.