About this Research Topic

Background

Mast cells are innate, sentinel immune cells that reside in tissues, most abundantly in the tissue layers exposed to the external environment. Upon activation they release preformed mediators such as histamine, heparin, proteases, and serotonin. They also produce newly synthesized mediators such as leukotrienes and cytokines. These mediators are directly involved in the symptomology of various allergic diseases including allergic rhinitis, food allergy, atopic asthma, and atopic dermatitis.

Although much is known about IgE-mediated mast cell function, it's function is also affected by many factors present in its microenvironment, which are less defined. Many questions therefore remain unanswered. As effector cells, mast cell function is a potential therapeutic target to meet the need for effective and affordable treatment of allergic diseases. Thus, to fully delineate the roles of mast cells in allergic disease, further research in this area is warranted.

This Research Topic intents to elucidate the contributions of mast cells in allergic diseases. We are interested in original research articles, reviews, and protocols that examine the role of mast cells in the development, progression, pathology as well as protective roles in all allergic diseases. In vivo, mechanistic studies that reveal novel therapeutic targets are highly encouraged.

Keywords: Mast Cells, IgE, Degranulation, Anaphylaxis, Innate Immunity

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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