Title:Self-Amplification Mechanisms of Mast Cell Activation: A New Look in Allergy
Volume: 12
Issue: 10
Author(s): S. He, H. Zhang, X. Zeng and P. Yang
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Allergen, cytokine, degranulation, effector cells, IgG, self-amplification, rhinitis, asthma, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, anaphylaxis, inflammation, allergy, immune system, antigen
Abstract: Allergic diseases are major diseases involving approximately 22% of world population. In recent
years, accumulated evidence suggests that apart from IgE, allergens may provoke immediate allergic reactions
via other pathways such as IgG, toll like receptor (TLR) dependent ones. In addition, large numbers of low
molecular weight molecules (LMWM) such as sphingosine-1-phosphate and iodinated contrast agents have
been observed to cause allergy. Therefore, the current definition of allergy, a group of IgE mediated diseases
appears difficult to cover all allergic reactions. Since even IgE dependent allergic reactions are carried out
through activation of mast cells and basophils, and all allergens mentioned above can activate these cells, we
hypothesize that allergic reactions are mast cell and basophil mediated inflammatory process as it is the
activated mast cells and basophils that initiate the pathological process of the immediate allergic reactions,
whereas IgE only serves as one of the activators of these cells.