Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2025 Feb 1;25(1):27-33.
doi: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000001046. Epub 2024 Nov 18.

Biomarkers in the diagnosis of mast cell activation

Dayne Voelker  1 , Thanai Pongdee
Affiliations
Review

Biomarkers in the diagnosis of mast cell activation

Dayne Voelker et al. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Mast cell activation is defined by activation of mast cells by varying stimuli with release of chemical mediators either through degranulation or release of de novo synthesized proteins or lipid mediators. Currently, tryptase measurement increase during symptomatic episodes is the most accepted biomarker measurement for mast cell activation. However, newer diagnostic tools including clinically available urinary mast cell mediators are noninvasive and can be more readily obtained compared to serum tryptase levels. This review will highlight biomarker measurement in the diagnosis of mast cell activation.

Recent findings: This review will highlight biomarker measurement in mast cell activation including serum tryptase and urinary mast cell mediators including N-methylhistamine, leukotriene E4, and 2,3-dinor-11beta-prostaglandin F2 alpha.

Summary: Urine mast cell mediators obtained at baseline and during symptom exacerbation are emerging biomarkers in the diagnosis of mast cell activation. Tryptase measurement and urinary mast cell mediator measurement are currently the most accepted biomarkers for mast cell activation. Further research is needed to establish new biomarkers for mast cell activation.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Dr Pongdee receives research funding from Blueprint Medicines. Dr Voelker has no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Box 1
Box 1
no caption available
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Biomarkers of mast cell activation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Krystel-Whittemore M, Dileepan KN, Wood JG. Mast cell: a multi-functional master cell. Front Immunol 2016; 6:620. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Voelker D, Pongdee T. Urine mast cell mediators in the evaluation and diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024; 24:33–38. - PubMed
    1. Akin C, Siebenhaar F, Wechsler JB, et al. . Detecting changes in mast cell numbers versus activation in human disease: a roadblock for current biomarkers? J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2024; 12:1727–1737. - PubMed
    1. Weiler CR. Mast cell activation syndrome: tools for diagnosis and differential diagnosis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2020; 8:498–506. - PubMed
    1. Weiler CR, Austen KF, Akin C, et al. . AAAAI mast cell disorders committee work group report: mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) diagnosis and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 144:883–896. - PubMed