The ins and outs of IgE-dependent mast-cell exocytosis

U Blank, J Rivera - Trends in immunology, 2004 - cell.com
U Blank, J Rivera
Trends in immunology, 2004cell.com
Mast cells (MCs) are able to secrete the contents of preformed cytoplasmic secretory
granules (SGs) on encountering certain stimulants. For MCs, this process is fundamental to
their role in innate and acquired immunity. Immunological adaptation through the production
of IgE antibodies, to normally innocuous substances, has kidnapped the MC exocytotic
response to cause allergic disease. Thus, understanding the molecular events in IgE-
dependent MC exocytosis holds promise for therapeutic intervention. Recent advances, in …
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are able to secrete the contents of preformed cytoplasmic secretory granules (SGs) on encountering certain stimulants. For MCs, this process is fundamental to their role in innate and acquired immunity. Immunological adaptation through the production of IgE antibodies, to normally innocuous substances, has kidnapped the MC exocytotic response to cause allergic disease. Thus, understanding the molecular events in IgE-dependent MC exocytosis holds promise for therapeutic intervention. Recent advances, in deciphering the coupling of the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) to the secretory machinery, promote a new paradigm of the molecular coordination of MC exocytosis. A clearer picture of the link between FcεRI stimulation and SG exocytosis is emerging.
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