Mast Cells and Basophils

Abstract

Mast cells and basophils are potent effector cells of the innate immune system and are functionally similar to cell types that are generally associated with T helper 2 (Th2) immune responses. Although their in vitro functions are well studied, these functions remain poorly understood. Recently, newly genetically modified mouse strains that specifically target mast cells or basophils have been developed. These advances have expanded our knowledge of cutaneous immune responses over the past few years. For example, the role of mast cells in contact hypersensitivity has become apparent through studies of mice engineered to deplete mast cells conditionally. In addition, studies of newly developed basophil-deficient mice have revealed that basophils cause IgG1-mediated systemic anaphylaxis, that they contribute to protective immunity against Trichuris muris, and that they enhance humoral memory responses in the spleen. In this review, we discuss the recent advances related to mast cells and basophils in cutaneous immune responses and discuss the development and future direction of this updated mechanism.