title: Mast Cell: A Multi-Functional Master Cell.
abstract: Mast cells are immune cells of the myeloid lineage and are present in connective tissues throughout the body. The activation and degranulation of mast cells significantly modulates many aspects of physiological and pathological conditions in various settings. With respect to normal physiological functions, mast cells are known to regulate vasodilation, vascular homeostasis, innate and adaptive immune responses, angiogenesis, and venom detoxification. On the other hand, mast cells have also been implicated in the pathophysiology of many diseases, including allergy, asthma, anaphylaxis, gastrointestinal disorders, many types of malignancies, and cardiovascular diseases. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of mast cells in many pathophysiological conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, KS , USA.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krystel-Whittemore
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, KS , USA.
authors.forename: Kottarappat N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Dileepan
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
authors.forename: John G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Wood
keywords: atherogenesis; immune system; inflammatory mediators; mast cell; systemic hypoxia