Mast cells in atopic dermatitis.
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.
Kawakami
Toshiaki
T
Division of Cell Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. toshi@liai.org
Ando
Tomoaki
T
Kimura
Miho
M
Wilson
Bridget S
BS
Kawakami
Yuko
Y
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
D000485:Allergens; D017455:Receptors, IgE; D007073:Immunoglobulin E