Mast Cells and Basophils

Addresses the research on mast cells and basophils and its significance in relation to allergic and autoimmune diseases. This is an area of burgeoning interest, driven by increasing recognition of the fundamental importance of these cell types in several disease processes. This exciting new book addresses the latest research on mast cells and basophils and its significance in relation to allergic and autoimmune diseases. This is an area of burgeoning interest, driven by increasing recognition of the fundamental importance of these cell types in several disease processes. The book covers recent advances relating to the factors and mechanisms that regulate the growth, differentiation and function of mast cells and basophils. It describes new technologies used to study these cells. It also discusses how the basic scientific findings can be integrated into possible therapeutic applications. The topics covered include (1) the development of mast cells and basophils; (2) early and late events in IgE/antigen activation of mast cells and basophils; (3) mechanisms of exocytosis; (4) non-IgE-mediated activation of mast cells and basophils, as well as of surface receptors that dampen activation responses; (5) protease, proteoglycan, lipid and cytokine mediators released from activated mast cells and basophils; and (6) bilateral interactions of mast cells with other cell types. The book focuses on the role of mast cells and basophils in disease. Some of the discussions examine the part played by mast cells in allergic inflammation and the effect of stabilization of these cells in novel therapies. There is also discussion of mastocytosis and the underlying mutations. Recent evidence implicates mast cells in multiple sclerosis, diabetes and HIV-1 infection, and other studies identify…