The Possible Uses and Challenges of Nanomaterials in Mast Cell Research

Abstract

Mast cells are tissue-resident immune cells that are involved in inflammation and fibrosis but also serve beneficial roles, including tissue maintenance, angiogenesis, pathogen clearance, and immunoregulation. Their multifaceted response and the ability of their mediators to target multiple organs and tissues means that mast cells play important roles in numerous conditions, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, drug sensitivities, ischemic heart disease, Alzheimer disease, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, infections (parasites, bacteria and viruses), and cancer. As a result, mast cells have become an important target for drug discovery and diagnostic research. Recent work has focused on applying novel nanotechnologies to explore cell biology. In this brief review, we will highlight the use of nanomaterials to modify mast cell functions and will discuss the potential of these technologies as research tools for understanding mast cell biology.

Targeting the innate immune system with nanoparticles for cancer immunotherapy

“…For example, several inorganic nanoparticles, such as silver, gold, titanium dioxide and silica nanoparticles, and other carbon-containing and organic nanoparticles, as well as lipid-based nanoparticles, have stimulatory or inhibitory effect on mast cell mediator release. 219 However, so far, no study has been conducted on whether these nanoparticles will affect the anti-tumor effect through mast cells.…”

Emerging applications of nanotechnology in context to immunology: A comprehensive review

“…This results in the activation of intracellular signaling pathways and degranulation with the release of inflammatory mediators ( Johnson et al, 2018 ). TiO2 nanoparticles enhanced the secretion of histamine and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in mast cells without any prior exposure to an allergen ( Duguay et al, 2020 ). Granules of mast cells have been reported to be a strong stimulator of adaptive immunity when they are degranulated at target sites of infection or vaccination ( Jain et al, 2019 ).…”

Cytotoxicity assessment of exfoliated MoS2 using primary human mast cells and the progenitor cell-derived mast cell line LAD2

“… 25 Mast cells are found in nearly all tissues, predominantly in tissues exposed to the environment like the gut, lungs, and skin. 26 Mast cells are, however, challenging to purify from tissues. 27 Mast cells derived from CD34 + cells in peripheral blood are therefore a viable alternative to human bone marrow-derived cells given the ease of obtaining donor blood, with surface receptors such as CD203c and CD63 serving as convenient readouts to identify them.…”