Role of Mast Cells in Dengue Virus Pathogenesis

Dengue is currently regarded as the most common arthropod-borne viral disease in tropical and subtropical areas, with an estimated 50-100 million infections occurring each year. Nearly all patients experience a self-limiting clinical course; however, the illness ranges from undifferentiated fever to severe hemorrhagic fever with or without shock syndrome complications. There are several immune cells associated with the pathogenesis of dengue virus (DENV) infection and systemic spread, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and mast cells (MCs). MCs are widely recognized for their immune functions and as cellular regulators of vascular integrity in human skin. Furthermore, these cells are able to detect DENV, which results in activation and degranulation of potent vasoactive mediators prestored in the granules. These mediators can act directly on vascular endothelium, increasing permeability and inducing vascular leakage. This review is designed to present an insight into the role of MCs during DENV infection and the dual functions in immune protection and contribution to the most severe forms of dengue.