Essential function for the calcium sensor STIM1 in mast cell activation and anaphylactic responses

Nat Immunol. 2008 Jan;9(1):81-8. doi: 10.1038/ni1546. Epub 2007 Dec 2.

Abstract

Mast cells have key functions as effectors of immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic inflammatory diseases. Allergen stimulation induces Ca2+ influx and elicits the secretion of inflammatory mediators from mast cells. Here we show that the Ca2+-binding endoplasmic reticulum protein STIM1 is critical to mast cell function. STIM1-deficient fetal liver-derived mast cells had impaired Ca2+ influx mediated by the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor FcepsilonRI and activation of the transcription factors NF-kappaB and NFAT. Mast cells lacking STIM1 also had much less degranulation and cytokine production after FcepsilonRI stimulation. In addition, alterations in STIM1 expression affected the sensitivity of immunoglobulin E-mediated immediate-phase anaphylactic responses in vivo. Thus, STIM1 is key in promoting the Ca2+ influx that is essential for FcepsilonRI-mediated mast cell activation and anaphylaxis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaphylaxis / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Channels
  • Cell Degranulation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin E / physiology
  • Mast Cells / immunology*
  • Mast Cells / metabolism
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • NFATC Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Receptors, IgE / immunology
  • Stromal Interaction Molecule 1
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Cytokines
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • NF-kappa B
  • NFATC Transcription Factors
  • Receptors, IgE
  • Stim1 protein, mouse
  • Stromal Interaction Molecule 1
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Calcium