The “Mast Cell and Basophil Club” of the French Society for Immunology

Abstract

Mast cells and basophils are best known for their key role during allergic responses [1]. Yet, they also have pivotal functions in innate and acquired (via IgE) defense mechanisms against microbes and parasites as well as in the neutralization of certain toxins such as snake venoms, through the release of proteases and other mediators contained in their cytoplasmic granules [2, 3] (Figure 1, example of a mast cell releasing cytoplasmic granules stained using fluorochrome‐labeled avidin, red). Recent work indicates that these cells have also important functions in a much broader range of inflammatory and pathological conditions including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, skin diseases, neuroinflammatory disease and even cancer. However, the mechanisms by which mast cells and basophils mediate their functions in these settings remain largely unknown. Not surprisingly, these new aspects of mast cell and basophil biology have raised interest in the immunology community, with the emergence of new groups focused on studying their involvement in the maintenance of homeostasis and the promotion of disease.