Degranulation of Mast Cells as a Target for Drug Development

Mast cells act as key effector cells of inflammatory responses through degranulation. Mast cell degranulation is induced by the activation of cell surface receptors, such as FceRI, MRGPRX2/B2, and P2RX7. Each receptor, except FceRI, varies in its expression pattern depending on the tissue, which contributes to their differing involvement in inflammatory responses depending on the site of occurrence. Focusing on the mechanism of allergic inflammatory responses by mast cells, this review will describe newly identified mast cell receptors in terms of their involvement in degranulation induction and patterns of tissue-specific expression. In addition, new drugs targeting mast cell degranulation for the treatment of allergy-related diseases will be introduced.

Automated summary

Mast cells are important effectors of inflammation and their degranulation is induced by various cell surface receptors. These receptors have different expression patterns, contributing to varied involvement in inflammatory responses. This review focuses on mast cell receptors involved in allergic inflammation, their role in degranulation induction, tissue-specific expression, and potential new drugs for allergy-related diseases.