IX. Mast cell-deficient mice and intestinal biology

Mutant mice that express abnormalities in mast cell development represent a powerful tool for the investigation of multiple aspects of mast cell biology. In addition, the identification of the genes affected by these mutations has not only increased our knowledge about the mast cell but has opened new areas of investigation as to the role of these gene products in gastrointestinal pathology, immunology, and physiology.