Regulatory roles of mast cells in immune responses

Semin Immunopathol. 2016 Sep;38(5):623-9. doi: 10.1007/s00281-016-0566-0. Epub 2016 May 6.

Abstract

Mast cells are important immune cells for host defense through activation of innate immunity (via toll-like receptors or complement receptors) and acquired immunity (via FcεRI). Conversely, mast cells also act as effector cells that exacerbate development of allergic or autoimmune disorders. Yet, several lines of evidence show that mast cells act as regulatory cells to suppress certain inflammatory diseases. Here, we review the mechanisms by which mast cells suppress diseases.

Keywords: Contact hypersensitivity; Graft-versus-host disease; Innate-type allergic airway inflammation; Mast cell; Rejection.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Allografts / immunology
  • Animals
  • Asthma / etiology
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • Dermatitis, Contact / etiology
  • Dermatitis, Contact / metabolism
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Graft Rejection / metabolism
  • Graft vs Host Disease / etiology
  • Graft vs Host Disease / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunity*
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin E / metabolism
  • Immunomodulation*
  • Mast Cells / immunology*
  • Mast Cells / metabolism*
  • Skin Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Skin Transplantation / methods

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin E