Purpose of review: This review summarizes recent findings on mast cell biology with a focus on IgE-independent roles of mast cells in regulating allergic responses.
Recent findings: Recent studies have described novel mast cell-derived molecules, both secreted and membrane-bound, that facilitate cross-talk with a variety of immune effector cells to mediate type 2 inflammatory responses. Mast cells are complex and dynamic cells that are persistent in allergy and are capable of providing signals that lead to the initiation and persistence of allergic mechanisms.
Keywords: Allergy; B cells; Histamine; IgE; Mast cells; T cells.