A REVIEW OF MAST-CELL BIOLOGY

In recent years, the mast cell has been a focus of intense scientific study, predominantly because of its role as a key effector cell in imm ediate hypersensitivity reactions. Continuous research over the last 2 0 years has finally characterized the origin of mast cells, and determ ined many of the factors involved in mast cell differentiation and pro liferation. III addition, different subpopulations of mast cell have b een defined with distinct biochemical and functional characteristics. The mechanisms involved in stimulus-secretion coupling, the process by which mast cells release their inflammatory mediators, has received p articular attention because these mechanisms may be future targets for anti-allergic drugs. However, it is now recognized that mast cells pl ay a much wider role than mediating allergic diseases. They are involv ed in non specific inflammatory reactions, fibrosis, angiogenesis and wound healing, and play an important role in protection of the host ag ainst gastrointestinal nematodes and certain bacterial infections, In this review, the advances made in determining the origins, heterogenei ty and function of mast cells are described.