The role of mast cells in responses to bacterial and viral infection / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

Since the discovery of mast cells (MCs) in 1878, MCs have long been recognised to be the key effector cells in allergic reactions. However, little is known about their roles in defending microorganisms. In this review, the recent research progress in the roles of MCs, in the body defence against bacterial and viral infection, in pathogen recognition mechanisms and in inflammatory mediator release are discussed.