Mast Cells as Drivers of Disease and Therapeutic Targets

Mast cells (MCs) contribute to the pathogenesis of a multitude of diseases that include MC-driven disorders such as urticaria, type I allergies, and mastocytosis as well as autoimmune and other inflammatory disorders and malignant tumors. Here, we review and discuss the results of studies that identified and characterized how MCs contribute to disease and, importantly, what strategies may be used to target MCs and MC effects therapeutically. Specifically, we discuss the most common approaches for investigating the role and relevance of MCs in various diseases. We also review current therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating MC numbers, inhibiting MCs and/or preventing MC activation, modulating MC signal transduction and protection from the effects of MC mediators.