Human mast cell (MC)

Human mast cells are specialized, tissue-resident granulocytes of the immune system that originate from hematopoietic stem cells and mature within peripheral tissues [11, 13]. They are best known for their pivotal role in type I hypersensitivity reactions and allergic diseases, such as asthma and anaphylaxis, where they act as primary effector cells [1, 6]. Mast cells are characterized by the expression of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) and the KIT receptor (CD117), the latter of which is essential for their development and survival [5, 11]. Upon activation, these cells undergo a rapid process called degranulation, releasing preformed inflammatory mediators like histamine, tryptase, and heparin, as well as newly synthesized leukotrienes and cytokines [1, 16]. In addition to allergy, mast cells are involved in innate immunity, wound healing, and the pathophysiology of systemic mastocytosis and certain cancers [5, 15]. Therapeutic strategies targeting mast cells include the use of mast cell stabilizers to prevent mediator release, monoclonal antibodies to neutralize IgE or inhibit KIT, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors to block survival signaling [3, 5, 13].

Other names

MastocyteLabrocyteHMCMast cell

Mast cell stabilization (blocking calcium channels), KIT tyrosine kinase inhibition, IgE neutralization (preventing FcεRI cross-linking), and Siglec-8 agonism.