Immunomodulatory mast cells: negative, as well as positive, regulators of immunity
Mast cells can promote inflammation and other tissue changes in IgE-associated allergic
disorders, as well as in certain innate and adaptive immune responses that are thought to be
independent of IgE. However, mast cells can also have anti-inflammatory and
immunosuppressive functions. Here, we review the evidence that mast cells can have
negative, as well as positive, immunomodulatory roles in vivo, and we propose that mast
cells can both enhance and later suppress certain features of an immune response.
disorders, as well as in certain innate and adaptive immune responses that are thought to be
independent of IgE. However, mast cells can also have anti-inflammatory and
immunosuppressive functions. Here, we review the evidence that mast cells can have
negative, as well as positive, immunomodulatory roles in vivo, and we propose that mast
cells can both enhance and later suppress certain features of an immune response.
Abstract
Mast cells can promote inflammation and other tissue changes in IgE-associated allergic disorders, as well as in certain innate and adaptive immune responses that are thought to be independent of IgE. However, mast cells can also have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions. Here, we review the evidence that mast cells can have negative, as well as positive, immunomodulatory roles in vivo, and we propose that mast cells can both enhance and later suppress certain features of an immune response.
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