title: Exploring the role of mast cells in eosinophilic esophagitis.
abstract: The mast cell plays a critical role in allergic responses in the gastrointestinal tract and other sites. Emerging evidence indicates that mast cells also participate in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis, although their precise role has not been defined. This article reviews the biology of mast cells and examines the potential involvement of the cell as an effector of the inflammatory response and tissue remodeling, and as a cell that has the potential to function as an immunomodulator and limit inflammation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children's Plaza, Box 65, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. bwershil@childrensmemorial.org
authors.forename: Barry K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Wershil
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015550:Cell Degranulation / Q000276:immunology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000276:immunology; D002631:Chemotactic Factors, Eosinophil / Q000378:metabolism; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D002631:Chemotactic Factors, Eosinophil; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D003165:Complement System Proteins