Bidirectional Interplay Between Microglia and Mast Cells

Microglia, the brain's resident innate immune cells, play a fundamental role in maintaining neural homeostasis and mediating responses to injury or infection. Upon activation, microglia undergo morphological and functional changes, including phenotypic switching between pro- and anti-inflammatory types and the release of different inflammatory mediators. These processes contribute to neuroprotection and the pathogenesis of various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Mast cells, although sparsely located in the brain, exert a significant influence on neuroinflammation through their interactions with microglia. Through degranulation and secretion of different mediators, mast cells disrupt the blood-brain barrier and modulate microglial responses, including alteration of microglial phenotypes. Notably, mast cell-derived factors, such as histamine, interleukins, and tryptase, activate microglia through various pathways including protease-activated receptor 2 and purinergic receptors. These interactions amplify inflammatory cascades via various signaling pathways. Previous studies have revealed an exceedingly complex crosstalk between mast cells and microglia suggesting a bidirectional regulation of CNS immunity, implicating their cooperation in both neurodegenerative progression and repair mechanisms. Here, we review some of the diverse communication pathways involved in this complex interplay. Understanding this crosstalk may offer novel insights into the cellular dynamics of neuroinflammation and highlight potential therapeutic targets for a variety of CNS disorders.