Mast cells within cellular networks

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019

Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Author(s): Michael Stassen, Ann-Kathrin Hartmann, Sharon Jiménez Delgado, Susann Dehmel, Armin Braun

Abstract

Mast cells are highly versatile in terms of their mode of activation by a host of stimuli and their ability to flexibly release a plethora of biologically highly active mediators. Within the immune system, mast cells can best be designated as an active nexus interlinking innate and adaptive immunity. Herein, we try to draw an arc from the initiation of acute inflammatory reactions to microbial pathogens to the development of adaptive immunity and allergies. This multifaceted nature of mast cells is made possible by the interaction with multiple cell types of immunological and non-immunological origin. Examples for the former include neutrophils, eosinophils, T cells and professional antigen presenting cells. These interactions allow mast cells to orchestrate inflammatory innate reactions and complex adaptive immunity, including the pathogenesis of allergies.

Important partners of non-immunological origin include cells of the sensory neuronal system. The intimate association between mast cells and sensory nerve fibers allows bidirectional communication leading to neurogenic inflammation. Evidence is accumulating that this mast cell / nerve crosstalk is of pathophysiological relevance in allergic diseases like asthma.

http://bit.ly/2MOLGZe