MAST-CELLS AND BASOPHILS IN INNATE IMMUNITY

Mast cells and basophils are primarily associated with the pathophysio logy of allergic diseases. Considering that these cells have been pres erved through evolution they must serve a valuable function. Intrinsic ally, mast cells are ideally placed and well endowed with inflammatory mediators to play a critical role in immune survaillance. Recent stud ies have shown that mast cells and basophils can bind various bacteria even in the absence of opsonizing antibodies. The resulting interacti on caused release of a variety of inflammatory mediators and, in the c ase of mast cells, also uptake of bacteria. Among the mediators releas ed by these inflammatory cells, TNF-alpha appears critical as it poten tiates the early neutrophil responses to bacteria. Observations in mut ant mice that are deficient in mast cells has provided further evidenc e for the specific role of mast cells in host defense against bacteria . Mie believe that there is now sufficient evidence (at least for mast cells) to propose a multifaceted and significant role for these cells in the host's innate immune response to infectious agents.