title: Mast cells in atopic dermatitis.
abstract: Mast cells play as the major effector cells in immediate hypersensitivity through activation via the high-affinity IgE receptor, Fc epsilon RI, although many other functions have recently been discovered for this cell type. Given the broad array of proinflammatory mediators secreted from Fc epsilon RI-activated mast cells, as well as sensitization to allergens, IgE elevation, and increased mast cells in a majority of atopic dermatitis patients, mast cells are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Numerous animal models have been used to study this epidemic disease. Here we review the recent progress to synthesize our current understanding of this disease and potential mechanisms for a mast cell's role in the disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cell Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. toshi@liai.org
authors.forename: Toshiaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kawakami
authors.forename: Tomoaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ando
authors.forename: Miho
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kimura
authors.forename: Bridget S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Yuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kawakami
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D017455:Receptors, IgE / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D017455:Receptors, IgE; D007073:Immunoglobulin E