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The Human Mast Cell

An Overview

  • Protocol
Mast Cells

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 315))

Abstract

Mast cells are fascinating, multifunctional, tissue-dwelling cells that have been traditionally associated with the allergic response. However, recent studies suggest these cells may be capable of regulating inflammation, host defense, and innate immunity. The purpose of this review is to present salient aspects of mast cell biology in the context of mast cell function in physiology and disease. After their development from bone marrow-derived progenitor cells that are primed with stem cell factor, mast cells continue their maturation and differentiation in peripheral tissue, developing into two well-described subsets of cells, MCT and MCTC cells. These cells can be distinguished on the basis of their tissue location, dependence on T lymphocytes, and their granule contents. Mast cells can undergo activation by antigens/allergens (acting via the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E, also referred to as FcεRI), superoxides, complement proteins, neuropeptides, and lipoproteins. After activation, mast cells express histamine, leukotrienes, and prostanoids, as well as proteases, and many cytokines and chemokines. These mediators may be pivotal to the genesis of an inflammatory response. By virtue of their location and mediator expression, mast cells may play an active role in many diseases, such as allergy, parasitic diseases, atherosclerosis, malignancy, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and arthritis. Recent data also suggest that mast cells play a vital role in host defense against pathogens by elaboration of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Mast cells also express the Toll-like receptor, which may further accentuate their role in the immune-inflammatory response. This chapter summarizes the many well-known and novel functional aspects of human mast cell biology and emphasizes their unique role in the inflammatory response.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the excellent secretarial assistance of Ms. Dolores Moore. This chapter was funded by NIH grants AI-43310 and HL-63070, the Rondal Cole Foundation and the Chair of Excellence in Medicine (State of Tennessee grant 20233), Cardiovascular Research Institute, AMGEN, Inc., and the Research Development Committee, East Tennessee State University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, James H. Quillen VAMC and the Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

    Guha Krishnaswamy

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

    Omar Ajitawi & David S. Chi

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  1. Guha Krishnaswamy
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  2. Omar Ajitawi
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Quillen College of Medicine, James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

    Guha Krishnaswamy  & David S. Chi  & 

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Krishnaswamy, G., Ajitawi, O., Chi, D.S. (2006). The Human Mast Cell. In: Krishnaswamy, G., Chi, D.S. (eds) Mast Cells. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 315. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-967-2:013

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-967-2:013

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-374-9

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