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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
Significance of Conversation between Mast Cells and Nerves
Hanneke Pm van der Kleij1, John Bienenstock
1Brain-Body Institute and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, St, Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Abstract:
More and more studies are demonstrating interactions between the nervous system and the immune system. However, the functional relevance of this interaction still remains to be elucidated. Such associations have been found in the intestine between nerves and mast cells as well as between eosinophils and plasma cells. Similar morphologic associations have been demonstrated in the liver, mesentery, urinary bladder, and skin. Unmyelinated axons especially were found to associate with mast cells as well as Langerhans' cells in primate as well as murine skin. Although there are several pathways by which immune cells interact with the nervous system, the focus in this review will be on the interaction between mast cells and nerves.
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