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Mast Cells pp 461-486 | Cite as

Studying Mast Cells in Peripheral Tolerance by Using a Skin Transplantation Model

Protocol
First Online:
Part of the Methods in Molecular Biology book series (MIMB, volume 1220)

Abstract

Mast cells (MCs) play an important role in both inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses [1]. The importance of MCs in maintaining peripheral tolerance was discovered in a FoxP3+ regulatory T-cell (Treg)-mediated skin transplant model [2]. MCs can directly mediate tolerance by releasing anti-inflammatory mediators (reviewed in ref. 3) or by interacting with other immune cells in the graft. Here we will present protocols used to study the role of MCs in peripheral tolerance with the emphasis on how MCs can regulate T-cell functionality. First we will introduce the skin transplant model followed by reconstitution of mast cell-deficient mice (B6.Cg-Kit W-sh ). This includes the preparation of MCs from the bone marrow. Finally the methods used to study the influence of MCs on T-cell responses and Treg functionality will be presented by modulating the balance between tolerance and inflammation.

Key words

Peripheral tolerance Transplantation Skin Mast cells Degranulation Inflammation Regulatory T cells 
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References

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Laboratory of Allergy and Inflammation, Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
  2. 2.Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyDartmouth Medical School and Norris Cotton Cancer CenterLebanonUSA
  3. 3.King’s Health Partners, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre of TransplantationKing’s College London, Guy’s HospitalLondonUK
  4. 4.Norris Cotton Cancer CenterLebanonUSA

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