title: Mast cell differentiation and heterogeneity.
abstract: Major differences between mast cells from different tissues and species have been known for at least 20 years but have been rigorously studied only recently. A recent meeting focused on the ontogeny and differentiation of mast cells, their functional characteristics and the clinical and biological significance of their heterogeneity.
authors.affiliation: Gastrointestinal Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Health Sciences Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4NI, Canada.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Befus
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, McMaster University, Canada.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bienenstock
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Denburg