Related Experiment Videos
Mast cells and basophils in acquired immunity
1Department of Pathology, L-235, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305-5324, USA.
British Medical Bulletin
|May 22, 2001
Summary
Mast cells and basophils are key immune cells in IgE-associated responses. This review details their distinct roles and biology in acquired immunity, highlighting their functions in inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cells and basophils are crucial immune cells involved in IgE-associated responses.
- Both cell types express the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (Fc epsilon RI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the basic biology of mast cells and basophils.
- To discuss their effector and immunoregulatory roles in acquired immunity, particularly IgE-mediated responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on mast cell and basophil biology and function.
- Comparative analysis of similarities and differences between mast cells and basophils.
Main Results:
- Mast cells and basophils share Fc epsilon RI expression and mediator secretion capabilities.
- Mast cells are tissue-resident, while basophils circulate and are recruited to inflammatory sites.
- These cells represent distinct lineages with complementary or overlapping functions in IgE responses.
Conclusions:
- Mast cells and basophils play distinct yet complementary roles in IgE-mediated immunity.
- Understanding their unique characteristics provides insight into immune responses.
- These cells are critical in acute, late-phase, and chronic aspects of adaptive and pathological immune responses.