The role of human mast cells in allergy and asthma

Abstract

Mast cells are tissue-inhabiting cells that play an important role in inflammatory diseases of the airway tract. Mast cells arise in the bone marrow as progenitor cells and complete their differentiation in tissues exposed to the external environment, such as the skin and respiratory tract, and are among the first to respond to bacterial and parasitic infections. Mast cells express a variety of receptors that enable them to respond to a wide range of stimulants, including the high-affinity FcεRI receptor. Upon initial contact with an antigen, mast cells are sensitized with IgE to recognize the allergen upon further contact. FcεRI-activated mast cells are known to release histamine and proteases that contribute to asthma symptoms. They release a variety of cytokines and lipid mediators that contribute to immune cell accumulation and tissue remodeling in asthma. Mast cell mediators trigger inflammation and also have a protective effect. This review aims to update the existing knowledge on the mediators released by human FcεRI-activated mast cells, and to unravel their pathological and protective roles in asthma and allergy. In addition, we highlight other diseases that arise from mast cell dysfunction, the therapeutic approaches used to address them, and fill the gaps in our current knowledge. Mast cell mediators not only trigger inflammation but may also have a protective effect. Given the differences between human and animal mast cells, this review focuses on the mediators released by human FcεRI-activated mast cells and the role they play in asthma and allergy.

Mast cell stabilizer disodium cromoglycate improves long-term cognitive impairment after general anesthesia exposure in neonatal mice

“…In our study, long-term cognition was impaired by GA administration at PND 7 (the peak of synaptogenesis), and DSCG provided long-lasting protection until early adulthood. Mast cells act as the first immune-related responders in the brain and can lead to the release of inflammatory factors through degranulation (Banafea et al, 2022). In this study, we demonstrated that MCs can promote the development of hippocampal inflammation after early GA exposure.…”

“…Mast cells act as the first immune-related responders in the brain and can lead to the release of inflammatory factors through degranulation ( Banafea et al, 2022 ). In this study, we demonstrated that MCs can promote the development of hippocampal inflammation after early GA exposure.…”

Drug-Induced Kounis Syndrome: Latest Novelties

“…Once the MCs and the basophils are activated, multiple signaling cascades are produced precipitating biochemical reactions responsible for the degranulation and release of vasoactive mediators, enzymes, and cytokines contained inside the cells. These mediators are released locally and into the circulatory system, causing bronchoconstriction and increased vascular permeability leading to urticaria, angioedema, and hypotension, among other actions [ 32 ]. These mediators are classified as preformed mediators or de novo synthesized lipid mediators (Fig.…”

Mast Cells in Upper and Lower Airway Diseases: Sentinels in the Front Line

“…Overall, MCs play both protective and pathological roles: they contribute to tissue repair, deactivation of proinflammatory cytokines, lympho-angiogenesis, smooth muscle relaxation, and negative feedback with immunomodulant functions; on the other hand, MCs provoke muscle contraction, immune cell infiltration, airway barrier disruption, airway remodeling, fibrosis, and increase mucus production [60]. In this article, the focus has been put on the two main MC-related airway diseases, respectively from upper and lower airways: rhinitis (with a particular interest in allergic rhinitis) and asthma.…”