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Updated: Sep 20, 2025
Isolation of Peritoneum-derived Mast Cells and Their Functional Characterization with Ca2+-imaging and Degranulation Assays
Published on: July 4, 2018
Different effectiveness of fungal pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in activating rat peritoneal mast
Paulina Żelechowska1, Ewa Brzezińska-Błaszczyk1, Justyna Agier1
1Department of Microbiology and Experimental Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-213 Lodz, Poland.
Abstract:
Mast cells (MCs) are the first immune cell type that can contact with the external environment, where they may rapidly sense the presence of pathogens. These cells are directly involved in innate defense through their ability to pathogen destruction by several mechanisms and the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) they express. Several studies have focused on the aspects of MC responses to bacterial and viral pathogens or their specific components and the role of those cells in antibacterial or antiviral defense mechanisms. However, to date, the knowledge of the influence of various fungi-derived molecules on MC activity is primarily based on limited data. Thus, this study aims to compare the effect of the major fungi cell wall-associated antigens, i.e., two β-(1,3)-glucans: zymosan - β-(1,3)-glucan containing mannan and chitin, and curdlan - purified linear model β-(1,3)-glucan as well as mannan on peritoneal MC activity. In particular, the potency of various fungal cell wall components to induce MC migration, degranulation, and generation and/or release of de novo-synthesized mediators/cytokines/chemokines was analyzed. The most striking result to emerge from the data is that MC activation differs depending on the fungal stimuli. Our study outlines that components of the inner layer of the fungi cell wall - β-glucans, i.e., zymosan and curdlan, are more potent stimulators of MC activity compared to mannan. On this note, the data described here may provide a foundation for further studying the role of MC in antifungal immunity and be helpful for a better understanding of host-pathogenic fungi interactions.
Insights
Mast cells (MCs) are crucial for innate immunity. This study reveals that fungal beta-glucans, unlike mannan, strongly activate MCs, influencing antifungal defense and host-pathogen interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cells (MCs) are key innate immune sentinels interacting with external pathogens.
- MCs employ various mechanisms for pathogen destruction via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs).
- While MC responses to bacteria and viruses are studied, fungal molecule effects on MCs are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the impact of major fungal cell wall antigens on peritoneal mast cell activity.
- To analyze the potency of β-(1,3)-glucans (zymosan, curdlan) and mannan in inducing MC migration, degranulation, and mediator release.
Main Methods:
- Peritoneal mast cells were exposed to zymosan, curdlan, and mannan.
- Analysis included mast cell migration, degranulation assays, and measurement of newly synthesized mediators, cytokines, and chemokines.
Main Results:
- Mast cell activation varied significantly based on the fungal stimulus.
- Fungal β-(1,3)-glucans (zymosan and curdlan) were more potent activators of mast cell activity than mannan.
- Specific components of the inner fungal cell wall demonstrated differential effects on mast cell responses.
Conclusions:
- Fungal β-glucans are potent stimulators of mast cell activity, suggesting a significant role in antifungal immunity.
- Understanding these mast cell responses is vital for comprehending host-pathogen interactions in fungal infections.
- This research provides a foundation for further investigation into mast cell-mediated antifungal defense mechanisms.
