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Mast cell heterogeneity: Evidence and implications

Journal of Clinical Immunology volume 4, pages 253–261 (1984)Cite this article

Abstract

Mast cells and basophils play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of allergic disease, although their physiologic role is largely unknown. A large body of evidence now indicates that the properties of mast cells are dependent on the tissue and species from which they are derived. Such mast cell heterogeneity encompasses differences in morphology, development, cytochemistry, and function. The evidence for such heterogeneity, and some of its clinical implications, is discussed.

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Affiliations

  1. Allergic Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 20205, Bethesda, Maryland

    Kim E. Barrett & Dean D. Metcalfe

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  1. Kim E. Barrett
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  2. Dean D. Metcalfe
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Barrett, K.E., Metcalfe, D.D. Mast cell heterogeneity: Evidence and implications. J Clin Immunol 4, 253–261 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00915292

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00915292

Key words

  • Mast cells
  • basophils
  • mast cell heterogeneity
  • immediate hypersensitivity