Mast cells and basophils are vital in the progression of allergic disorders. Even though both these types of cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells, their mechanisms and lineage commitment pathways have been unsolved issues in haematology.
Phenotypically and functionally, both basophils and mast cells are related cell types facilitating protective immunity to helminths. However, they can also cause pathology at the time of allergic inflammation. Both the cells cooperate to render protection at the time of secondary infestation with ticks.
Basophils and mast cells are potent effector cells of the innate immune system having detrimental and beneficial functions for the host. Mainly, they are implicated in the pro-inflammatory responses to allergens. They can also render protection against pathogens.
Mast Cells
- Mast cells are part of the immune system, playing a role in inflammation, helping defend against pathogens, and are involved in tissue repair and wound healing
- These cells are known to release histamine at the time of allergic reactions (insect sting or pollen allergies)
- Involved in anaphylaxis
- Detect and respond to foreign substances
- Can be seen in most of the tissues all through the body, particularly those which interact with the exterior environment, which includes skin and gastrointestinal tract
- When these cells are activated by a trigger, they release several mediators
Basophils
- They are considered to be a circulating form of mast
- They are involved in the emergence of the anaphylactic shock
- They are produced in the bone marrow from the same PPSCs as other cells
- The granules of the basophils are water-soluble and are often washed out at the time of the staining procedure, hence are not always visible on a stained smear
- They are the least phagocytic of the granulocytes
Difference Between Mast cells and Basophils
Listed below are some key differences between mast cells and basophils.
| Mast Cells | Basophils |
| Size | |
| 6-12μm | 5-7μm |
| Site of Maturation | |
| Connective tissues | Bone marrow |
| Primary Location | |
| Tissues | Intravascular circulation |
| Lifespan | |
| Months | Days |
| Nucleus | |
| Round or oval | Segmented |
| Nature of Granules | |
| Smaller and more numerous compared to basophils | Larger and lesser compared to mast cells |
| Content of Tryptase | |
| High | Low |
| Peptidoglycan | |
| Chondroitin sulfates and Heparin | Mainly chondroitin sulfates |
| Lipid Mediators | |
| LTD4, LTB4, LTC4,LTE4, PAF, PGD2 | LTD4, LTC4, LTE4 |
| Proliferative Capacity | |
| Higher compared to basophils | Lower compared to mast cells |
| Mature cells in circulation | |
| No | Yes (generally < I % of blood leukocytes) |
| Mature cells recruited into tissues from circulation | |
| No | Yes (at the time of immunologic, inflammatory responses) |
| Mature cells are normally found in connective tissues | |
| Yes | No (not noticeable by microscopy) |
These were some differences between mast cells and basophils. For more such articles, visit us at BYJU’S NEET.
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