Mast Cell-Specific MRGPRX2: a Key Modulator of Neuro-Immune Interaction in Allergic Diseases

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2021 Jan 4;21(1):3. doi: 10.1007/s11882-020-00979-5.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic asthma are complex disorders with significant public health burden. This review provides an overview of the recent developments on Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor-X2 (MRGPRX2; mouse counterpart MrgprB2) as a potential candidate to target neuro-immune interaction in AD and allergic asthma.

Recent findings: Domestic allergens directly activate sensory neurons to release substance P (SP), which induces mast cell degranulation via MrgprB2 and drives type 2 skin inflammation in AD. MRGPRX2 expression is upregulated in human lung mast cells and serum of asthmatic patients. Both SP and hemokinin-1 (HK-1 generated from macrophages, bronchial cells, and mast cells) cause degranulation of human mast cells via MRGPRX2. MrgprB2 contributes to mast cell-nerve interaction in the pathogenesis of AD. Furthermore, asthma severity is associated with increased MRGPRX2 expression in mast cells. Thus, MRGPRX2 could serve as a novel target for modulating AD and asthma.

Keywords: Allergic asthma; Atopic dermatitis; Itch; Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2/B2; Mast cell; Neuro-immune interaction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Mast Cells / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Neuroimmunomodulation / genetics*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*

Substances

  • Mrgprx2 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled