Often referred to as the ‘police officers’ of the immune system, mast cells detect trouble and summon reinforcements when necessary. When not fighting off pathogens or aiding tissue repair, these dynamic cells release histamine and other vital chemicals to drive inflammatory responses and wound healing.
What are mast cells?
Mast cells, a type of white blood cell, are found throughout connective tissues in the body. They are present in the lungs, nerves, intestines, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and under the skin. These cells are crucial for our immune system, fighting infections and mediating various immune responses.
First discovered by Ehrlich in 1877, mast cells originate from hematopoietic (blood) stem cells present in the bone marrow and later mature in tissues under certain growth factors. During allergic reactions and specific immune responses, mast cells release heparin, histamine, cytokines, and growth factors to widen the blood vessels.
Their versatile functions make them essential players in maintaining our body’s health and responding to various threats. While mast cells play essential protective and regulatory roles in maintaining the delicate balance of normal physiology, they can also contribute to pathological conditions due to abnormal internal signaling. This highlights the diverse, multidimensional nature of mast cells in exerting physiological functions.
Importance of mast cells in the body
Mast cells are vital to the immune system, contributing significantly to various physiological and pathological processes. Here are some essential functions and potential healing solutions they offer:
Allergic Reactions:
Mast cells, the body’s proactive first responders to allergens, play a crucial role in our immune system. Upon encountering an allergen, they release histamine and other chemicals, triggering symptoms like itching, swelling, and redness. Such rapid chemical release protects the body against parasitic invasions.
This natural defense mechanism, while vital, can become overactive in those with severe allergies, causing discomfort. Notably, mast cells also produce prostaglandins and leukotrienes, further amplifying the allergic response.
Communication with Other Immune Cells:
Mast cells are communicators in the immune system, interacting with T cells and dendritic cells to orchestrate a more effective immune response. They ensure immune cells are activated precisely where needed, optimizing the body’s defense strategy. Moreover, mast cells can influence the adaptive immune response.
Defense Against Pathogens:
Mast cells fight against bacteria and parasites. They release antimicrobial peptides and substances that kill or inhibit invaders while recruiting additional immune cells to bolster the body’s defenses. Mast cells also detect and respond to viral infections, contributing to the antiviral defense mechanism.
Inflammation:
These cells are critical players in inflammation, releasing cytokines and chemokines that control pathogens and summoning other immune cells to the site of infection or injury. This collaborative effort helps control pathogens and facilitates tissue repair — emphasizing their crucial role in healing.
Wound Healing:
Mast cells are essential to tissue repair, releasing growth factors that promote new cell growth and blood vessel formation. They help remodel tissues, ensuring proper and efficient healing. Furthermore, mast cells play a pivotal role in the resolution phase of inflammation, aiding in the clearance of immune cells and restoring tissue homeostasis, thereby restoring balance to the body.
