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Review
. 2013 Feb;9(2):129-38.
doi: 10.1586/eci.12.95.

Mast cells: multitalented facilitators of protection against bacterial pathogens

Nikita H Trivedi  1 , M Neal Guentzel, Annette R Rodriguez, Jieh-Juen Yu, Thomas G Forsthuber, Bernard P Arulanandam
Affiliations
Review

Mast cells: multitalented facilitators of protection against bacterial pathogens

Nikita H Trivedi et al. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

Mast cells are crucial effector cells evoking immune responses against bacterial pathogens. The positioning of mast cells at the host-environment interface, and the multitude of pathogen-recognition receptors and preformed mediator granules make these cells potentially the earliest to respond to an invading pathogen. In this review, the authors summarize the receptors used by mast cells to recognize invading bacteria and discuss the function of immune mediators released by mast cells in control of bacterial infection. The interaction of mast cells with other immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells and T cells, to induce protective immunity is highlighted. The authors also discuss mast cell-based vaccine strategies and the potential application in control of bacterial disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Mast cell–macrophage interactions during Francisella tularensis infection
MC recognition of F. tularenis via TLR-2 and MRs results in bacterial uptake and phagosome maturation with MHC class II and LAMP protein localization and acidification. MC signaling events lead to TNF-α release and IL-4 production that influence MAC IL-4 receptor, MR and MHC class II regulation. The ensuing IL-4 then promotes engulfment of bacteria with MRs, upregulates MAC ATP production and phagosome maturation, acidification with enhanced bacteria-killing potential. MAC: Macrophage; MC: Mast cell; MR: Mannose receptor; TLR: Toll-like receptor.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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