Cytokine production by mast cells and basophils.
Mast cells and/or basophils have been implicated in the expression of a wide variety of biological responses, including immediate hypersensitivity reactions, host responses to parasites and neoplasms, angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and immunologically non-specific inflammatory and fibrotic conditions. Recent findings suggest that an important mechanism by which mast cells influence such biological responses is through the production of a broad panel of multifunctional cytokines. In contrast, the extent to which basophils can produce cytokines is uncertain.
Galli
S J
SJ
Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
Gordon
J R
JR
Wershil
B K
BK
D000818:Animals; D001491:Basophils / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice
D016207:Cytokines