PULMONARY IMMUNE CELLS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE - MAST-CELLS AND BASOPHILS

Mast cells and basophils are multifunctional immune cells and have bee n implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and other pulmonary disease s. Although they are derived from distinct lineages, they share a numb er of important features which justifies discussing them collectively. This review covers the cellular characteristics and biological proper ties of both cell types, including origin, maturation and differentiat ion, morphological and phenotypical properties, as well as their capac ity to secrete preformed and newly generated mediators of inflammation . In addition, the mechanisms of cel activation and priming of mast ce lls and basophils will be outlined, as well as the putative mechanisms through which both cell types communicate with other inflammatory cel ls. The final section of the review focuses on the possible pathogenet ic role of mast cells and basophils in several pulmonary diseases, suc h as parasitic infections, allergic diseases, pulmonary fibrosis and m alignant disorders.