Mast cells receptors – general description Mast cells (MC) are key effector cells in allergic inflammation (AI) but are also involved in regulating fibrosis, in tissue responses to neoplastic diseases, in autoimmune diseases and in host‑defense against bacterial and parasitic infections [1]. In allergy, the

General Description Besides the high affinity IgE receptor mast cells (MC) also express Fcγ receptors (FcγR) (1). However, other receptors for immunoglobulin isotypes such as FcaRI, FcdRI and Fca/mR are not found to be expressed on MC. FcγR exist in multiple isoforms categorized, either in

What are adaptor proteins? Proteins with no enzymatic activity that mediate intermolecular interactions through motifs* and /or domains** and are essential in organizing, coordinating and compartmentalizing activated signaling molecules.*Motif: short sequence of aminoacids**Domain: conserved part of a given protein sequence and structure that can evolve,

Introduction A hallmark feature of mast cells from all species is their strong metachromatic staining with various cationic dues, such as Toluidine blue. These properties have been used since the late 19th century to identify mast cells as such (1). The biochemical background for the

Introduction The most striking morphological feature of mast cells is their numerous cytoplasmic secretory granules. These are filled with preformed compounds (“mediators”), which are rapidly released when mast cells are activated in a way that causes their degranulation. The preformed mediators encompass numerous different substances,

Ca2+ entry pathways for mast cell activation In mast cells, the increase of free cytosolic Ca2+ regulates a variety of cellular processes including degranulation with release of preformed inflammatory mediators, production of eicosanoids, activation of transcription factors including the nuclear factor of activated T cells