Mast cells in the promotion and limitation of chronic inflammation

摘要: Observations of increased numbers mast cells at sites chronic inflammation have been reported for over a hundred years. Light and electron microscopic evidence cell activation such sites, taken together with the known functions diverse mediators, cytokines, growth factors that can be secreted by appropriately activated cells, suggested wide range possible in promoting (or suppressing) many features inflammation. Similarly, these other lines implicated variety adaptive or pathological responses are associated persistent affected sites. Definitively characterizing importance humans is difficult. However, mice genetically lack especially those which undergo engraftment wildtype altered provide means to investigate specific products models Such work has confirmed significantly influence multiple inflammatory responses, through effects either promote or, perhaps more surprisingly, suppress aspects responses.