Question

Function of mast cell

Answer 1

Mast cells play a key role in the inflammatory process. When activated, a mast cell can either selectively release (piecemeal degranulation) or rapidly release (anaphylactic degranulation) "mediators", or compounds that induce inflammation, from storage granules into the local microenvironment.Mast cells can be stimulated to degranulateby allergens through cross-linking with immunoglobulin E receptors (e.g., FcεRI), physical injury through pattern recognition receptors for damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), microbial pathogensthrough pattern recognition receptors for pathogen-associated molecular patterns(PAMPs), and various compounds through their associated G-protein coupled receptors(e.g., morphine through opioid receptors) or ligand-gated ion channels.Complement proteins can activate membrane receptors on mast cells to exert various functions as well