Member-only story

The Mast Cell: A Multifunctional Effector Cell

Darius Cox

·8.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Domenico Ribatti

4 min read · 3 weeks before

499 View Claps

28 Respond

Save

Listen

Mast cells are multifunctional effector cells that play a critical role in both innate and adaptive immunity. They are located in close proximity to blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, and they are activated by a variety of stimuli, including allergens, cytokines, and physical stress. Once activated, mast cells release a variety of mediators, including histamine, tryptase, and chymase, which can cause inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and other symptoms. Mast cells also play a role in tissue repair and angiogenesis.

The Mast Cell: A Multifunctional Effector Cell

by Domenico Ribatti

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7148 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	193 pages

Mast Cells in Health and Disease

Mast cells are essential for host defense against pathogens and parasites. They are also involved in the regulation of immune responses, and they play a role in tissue repair and angiogenesis. However, mast cells can also be harmful, and they have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and anaphylaxis. In these diseases, mast cells release excessive amounts of mediators, which can lead to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and other symptoms.

Targeting Mast Cells in the Treatment of Disease

Targeting mast cells is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Several drugs that inhibit the release of mast cell mediators are currently in use, and others are in development. These drugs can be effective in reducing the symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and anaphylaxis. In addition, targeting mast cells may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of other diseases, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

Mast cells are multifunctional effector cells that play a critical role in both health and disease. Targeting mast cells is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Further research is needed to better understand the role of mast cells in these diseases and to develop new and more effective treatments.

Image 1: Mast cell releasing mediators

Mast Cell Releasing Mediators The Mast Cell: A Multifunctional Effector Cell