Mast Cells as a Double Edged Sword in Immunity: Disorders of Mast Cell Activation and Therapeutic Management. Second of Two Parts

Mast cells (MCs) bear many receptors which allow them to respond tAs far as treatment of MC-derived diseases is concerned, allergen immunotherapy as well as other attempts to reduce MC-activation will be outlined according to the recent data. Finally, in agreement with current literature and our own data polyphenols have been demonstrated to attenuate type I allergic reactions and contact dermatitis in response to nickel. The use of polyphenols in these diseases will be discussed also in view of MC involvement.o a variety of exogenous and endogenous stimuli. However, MC function is dual since they can initiate pathological events or protect the host against infectious challenges.:The role of MCs in disease will be analyzed in a broad sense, describing cellular and molecular mechanisms related to their involvement in auto-inflammatory diseases, asthma, autoimmune diseases and cancer. On the other hand, their protective role in the course of bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections will also be illustrated.:Mast cells (MCs) bear many receptors that allow them to respond to a variety of exogenous and endogenous stimuli. However, MC function is dual since they can initiate pathological events or protect the host against infectious challenges.