The role of mast cells in the gut and brain

Mast cells are the major e?fectors in allergic reactions through de granulation and release of in?lammatory, vasoactive and nociceptive mediators associated with the pathogenesis of a variety of in?lammatory disorders. Mast cells are strategically positioned as gatekeepers at host/environment interfaces, like the skin, airways, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts, and their presence also in the brain allows them to act not only as sentinels of invading microorganisms but also as targets to respond to di?ferent allergens, pathogens and other dangerous agents that can be ingested, inhaled or encountered after the breakdown of the epithelial barrier. Mast cells can respond to any change in the environment by communicating with the different cells involved in the immune response and giving rise to an amplification signal network through feedback loops. They secrete both preformed mediators within minutes of stimulation and denovo synthesized molecules actingas e?fectors in the relationship between nervous, vascular and immune systems. For this peculiarity, mast cells are master regulators and key players of the immune system and important sources of essential and beneficial mediators with crucial roles in regulating various physiological processes.

Automated summary

Mast cells are crucial effector cells in allergic reactions, strategically located at host/environment interfaces to quickly respond to inflammatory disorders. They communicate with various immune cells, forming a signal network to amplify the immune response.