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The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Mast cells are "master regulators" of the immune system. They come from bone marrow and go into all tissues of the body. Each mast cell contains secretory granules (storage sacs), each containing powerful biologically active molecules called mediators. These can be secreted when mast cells are triggered, leading to allergic and inflammatory diseases.

The Good: Mast cells play an important protective role and have been observed as being intimately involved in wound healing and defense against pathogens. Mast cells are located in connective tissue, including the skin, the linings of the stomach and intestine, and other sites. They play an important role in helping defend these tissues…

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Featured

 All Things Mast Cell with World-Renowned Clinical Researcher Dr. Theoharides

In recent years, mast cell diseases have become a hot topic in functional medicine and Dr. Theoharis Theoharides has been at the forefront of the research on mast cells. He was the first to show that mast cells are involved in a wide range of allergic reactions and inflammatory conditions, including allergies, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, migraines, multiple sclerosis. He’s also investigated mast cells and autism.

Articles of Interest

Mast cell information

Mast cell diseases are caused by the proliferation and accumulation of genetically altered mast cells and/or the inappropriate release of mast cell mediators, creating symptoms in multiple organ systems. The three major forms of mast cell diseases are mastocytosis, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and Hereditary Alpha tryptasemia (HAT). Mast cell diseases can cause tremendous suffering and disability due to symptomatology from daily mast cell mediator release, and/or symptoms arising from infiltration and accumulation of mast cells in major organ systems. Mast cell diseases are caused by the proliferation and accumulation of genetically altered mast cells and/or the inappropriate release of mast cell mediators, creating symptoms in multiple organ systems. The three major forms of mast cell diseases are mastocytosis, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and Hereditary Alpha tryptasemia (HAT). Mast cell diseases can cause tremendous suffering and disability due to symptomatology from daily mast cell mediator release, and/or symptoms arising from infiltration and accumulation of mast cells in major organ systems.

Mast Cell Biology: Introduction and Overview

Mast cells are cells of hematopoietic origin which have gained notoriety over the years for their role as central players in atopic disorders and anaphylaxis. Indeed, it has been in this context that much of the research in this field has been conducted. It is only recently that their role in other aspects of health and disease has been fully appreciated. The manifestations of mast cell-driven disease are considered to be a consequence of an inappropriate activation of mast cell immune responses which have evolved to protect the body against a host of pathogens and perhaps toxins.

Mast Cell: A Multi-Functional Master Cell

Mast cells are immune cells of the myeloid lineage and are present in connective tissues throughout the body. The activation and degranulation of mast cells significantly modulates many aspects of physiological and pathological conditions in various settings.

The ingenious mast cell: Contemporary insights into mast cell behavior and function

Mast cells are (in)famous for their role in allergic diseases, but the physiological and pathophysiological roles of this ingenious cell are still not fully understood. Mast cells are important for homeostasis and surveillance of the human system, recognizing both endogenous and exogenous agents, which induce release of a variety of mediators acting on both immune and non-immune cells, including nerve cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and epithelial cells.

What are mast cells?

Mast cells (MC) are immune system cells that live in the bone marrow and in body tissues, internal and external, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the lining of the airway, and the skin. Everyone has mast cells in their body, and they play many complex and critical roles in keeping us healthy. The positive roles that they play include protecting us from infection, and helping our body by participating in the inflammatory process. However, mast cells are also involved in allergic reactions, from the tiny swelling that appears after a mosquito bite to a life threatening, full-blown anaphylaxis.

Resources

MastCellAware

MastCellAware is passionate about raising awareness of the important role that mast cells play in all our lives. Our goal is to pique the interest of family, friends, and the medical community, while having a bit of fun with the image of the small but mighty mast cells.

Mast Cell Action

The founders and trustees of Mast Cell Action are united in our common vision to provide support, raise awareness, and help advance the diagnosis and treatment of MCAS. Our objective is to build an organisation that gives a voice to patients, supports doctors, and informs policy-makers about this condition.

Mast Cell Disease Society

The Mast Cell Disease Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing multi-faceted support to patients, families and medical professionals in our community and to leading the advancement of knowledge and research in mast cell diseases through education, advocacy and collaboration.

Mast Cell Disorder Support Network

Support Community for Mast Cell Disorders.

Ticked Off Mast Cells

A mast cell & tick-borne disease resource organization.

StatPearls

Mast cells are immune cells derived from the myeloid lineage. After arising in the bone marrow, progenitor cells circulate and become home to various tissues. Under the influence of stem cell factors locally produced by many cells in the tissue, the progenitor differentiates into a mature mast cell. Mature mast cells are present only in tissue and are not found in circulation.