Abstract
The multifunctional role of mast cells (MCs) in the immune system is complex and has not fully been explored. MCs reside in tissues and mucous membranes such as the lung, digestive tract, and skin which are strategically located at interfaces with the external environment. These cells, therefore, will encounter external stimuli and pathogens. MCs modulate both the innate and the adaptive immune response in inflammatory disorders including transplantation. MCs can have pro- and anti-inflammatory functions, thereby regulating the outcome of lung transplantation through secretion of mediators that allow interaction with other cell types, particularly innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). ILC2 cells are a unique population of hematopoietic cells that coordinate the innate immune response against a variety of threats including infection, tissue damage, and homeostatic disruption. In addition, MCs can modulate alloreactive T cell responses or assist in T regulatory (Treg) cell activity. This paper outlines the current understanding of the role of MCs in lung transplantation, with a specific focus on their interaction with ILC2 cells within the engrafted organ.
Highlights
IntroductionSince ILC2s have a protective role by organizing the innate immune response against infection and tissue damage, it is likely that they are involved in regulating transplant rejection [54, 65, 66]
IL-2 produced by ILC2s assists T regulatory (Treg) survival [30, 99] and supports survival of the transplanted organ
IL-13 acts in a synergistic manner with IL-33 released from airway epithelial cells (ECs) to reverse or prevent tissue damage during the transplant
Summary
Since ILC2s have a protective role by organizing the innate immune response against infection and tissue damage, it is likely that they are involved in regulating transplant rejection [54, 65, 66]. The in vivo sources of IL-7 required for ILC development are unknown, but IL-7 is critical for the generation and maintenance of all lymphocytes and is expressed by stromal cells [106] These data highlight the interplay between MCs and ILC2s in maintaining the integrity of the respiratory epithelium and restoring the lung during infection of the transplanted lung [78, 107, 108] (Figure 2)
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