Mast cells and inflammation

Mast cells are well known for their role in allergic and anaphylactic reactions, as well as their involvement in acquired and innate immunity. Increasing evidence now implicates mast cells in inflammatory diseases where they are activated by non-allergic triggers, such as neuropeptides and cytokines, often exerting synergistic effects as in the case of IL-33 and neurotensin. Mast cells can also release pro-inflammatory mediators selectively without degranulation. In particular, IL-1 induces selective release of IL-6, while corticotropin-releasing hormone secreted under stress induces the release of vascular endothelial growth factor. Many inflammatory diseases involve mast cells in cross-talk with T cells, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, which all worsen by stress. How mast cell differential responses are regulated is still unresolved. Preliminary evidence suggests that mitochondrial function and dynamics control mast cell degranulation, but not selective release. Recent findings also indicate that mast cells have immunomodulatory properties. Understanding selective release of mediators could explain how mast cells participate in numerous diverse biologic processes, and how they exert both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive actions. Unraveling selective mast cell secretion could also help develop unique mast cell inhibitors with novel therapeutic applications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mast cells in inflammation.     

P2X7 receptors induce degranulation in human mast cells

Mast cells play important roles in host defence against pathogens, as well as being a key effector cell in diseases with an allergic basis such as asthma and an increasing list of other chronic inflammatory conditions. Mast cells initiate immune responses through the release of newly synthesised eicosanoids and the secretion of pre-formed mediators such as histamine which they store in specialised granules. Calcium plays a key role in regulating both the synthesis and secretion of mast-cell-derived mediators, with influx across the membrane, in particular, being necessary for degranulation. This raises the possibility that calcium influx through P2X receptors may lead to antigen-independent secretion of histamine and other granule-derived mediators from human mast cells. Here we show that activation of P2X7 receptors with both ATP and BzATP induces robust calcium rises in human mast cells and triggers their degranulation; both effects are blocked by the P2X7 antagonist AZ11645373, or the removal of calcium from the extracellular medium. Activation of P2X1 receptors with αβmeATP also induces calcium influx in human mast cells, which is significantly reduced by both PPADS and NF 449. P2X1 receptor activation, however, does not trigger degranulation. The results indicate that P2X7 receptors may play a significant role in contributing to the unwanted activation of mast cells in chronic inflammatory conditions where extracellular ATP levels are elevated.     

miR-142-3p enhances FcεRI-mediated degranulation in mast cells

Mast cells are immune cells derived from hematopoietic progenitors. When they are activated by stimuli, they immediately release granule-associated mediators, leading to allergic inflammation. Several factors controlling mediator release have been identified; however, little is known whether microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in this process. miRNAs are a small class of non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. In this study, we investigated the relationship between miRNAs and degranulation in LAD2 cells, a human mast cell line. We demonstrated that silencing of Dicer, a key enzyme of miRNA biogenesis, attenuates degranulation, indicating that miRNAs are involved in mast cell degranulation. We furthermore discovered that the overexpression of miR-142-3p enhances FcεRI-mediated degranulation and that miR-142-3p rescues the reduction of degranulation by silencing Dicer. Similar effects were observed in bone marrow-derived mast cells obtained miR-142-3p-deficient mice. Our studies suggest that miR-142-3p is a potential therapeutic target in pathological conditions caused by mast cells, such as mastocytosis and allergies.     

Immunoglobulin E-independent activation of mast cell is mediated by Mrg receptors

Mast cells play a central role in inflammatory and allergic reactions by releasing inflammatory mediators through two main pathways, immunoglobulin E-dependent and -independent activation. In the latter, mast cells are activated by a diverse range of basic molecules, including peptides and amines such as substance P, neuropeptide Y, and compound 48/80. These secretagogues are thought to activate the G proteins in mast cells through a receptor-independent mechanism. Here, we report that the basic molecules activate G proteins through the Mas-related gene (Mrg) receptors on mast cells, leading to mast cell degranulation. We suggest that one of the Mrg receptors, MrgX2, has an important role in regulating inflammatory responses to non-immunological activation of human mast cells.     

ADAM10 is required for SCF-induced mast cell migration

A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM)-10 plays critical roles in neuronal migration and distribution. Recently, ADAM10 deletion was shown to disrupt myelopoiesis. We found that inducible deletion of ADAM10 using Mx1-driven Cre recombinase for a period of three weeks resulted in mast cell hyperplasia in the skin, intestine and spleen. Mast cells express surface ADAM10 in vitro and in vivo, at high levels compared to other immune cells tested. ADAM10 is important for mast cell migration, since ADAM10-deficiency reduced c-Kit-mediated migration. As with some mast cell proteases, ADAM10 expression could be altered by the cytokine microenvironment, being inhibited by IL-10 or TGFβ1, but not by several other T cell-derived cytokines. Collectively these data show that the ADAM10 protease is an important factor in mast cell migration and tissue distribution, and can be manipulated by environmental cues.     

3-Benzyl-5-((2-nitrophenoxy) methyl)-dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one suppresses FcεRI-mediated mast cell degranulation via the inhibition of mTORC2-Akt signaling

Mast cells express high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) on their surface, cross-linking of which leads to the immediate release of proinflammatory mediators such as histamine but also late-phase cytokine secretion, which are central to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Despite the growing evidences that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays important roles in the immune system, it is still unclear how mTOR signaling regulates mast cell function. In this study, we investigated the effects of 3-benzyl-5-((2-nitrophenoxy) methyl)-dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (3BDO) as an mTOR agonist on FcεRI-mediated allergic responses of mast cells. Our data showed that administration of 3BDO decreased β-hexosaminidase, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release in murine bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) after FcεRI cross-linking, which was associated with an increase in mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling but a decrease in activation of Erk1/2, Jnk, and mTORC2-Akt. In addition, we found that a specific Akt agonist, SC79, is able to fully restore the decrease of β-hexosaminidase release in 3BDO-treated BMMCs but has no effect on IL-6 release in these cells, suggesting that 3BDO negatively regulates FcεRI-mediated degranulation and cytokine release through differential mechanisms in mast cells. The present data demonstrate that proper activation of mTORC1 is crucial for mast cell effector function, suggesting the applicability of the mTORC1 activator as a useful therapeutic agent in mast cell-related diseases.     

IL-9 induces VEGF secretion from human mast cells and IL-9/IL-9 receptor genes are overexpressed in atopic dermatitis

Interleukin 9 (IL-9) has been implicated in mast cell-related inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, where vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved. Here we report that IL-9 (10-20 ng/ml) induces gene expression and secretion of VEGF from human LAD2. IL-9 does not induce mast cell degranulation or the release of other mediators (IL-1, IL-8, or TNF). VEGF production in response to IL-9 involves STAT-3 activation. The effect is inhibited (about 80%) by the STAT-3 inhibitor, Stattic. Gene-expression of IL-9 and IL-9 receptor is significantly increased in lesional skin areas of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients as compared to normal control skin, while serum IL-9 is not different from controls. These results imply that functional interactions between IL-9 and mast cells leading to VEGF release contribute to the initiation/propagation of the pathogenesis of AD, a skin inflammatory disease.     

Listeria monocytogenes Alters Mast Cell Phenotype,Mediator and Osteopontin Secretion in a Listeriolysin-Dependent Manner

Whilst mast cells participate in the immune defence against the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, there is conflicting evidence regarding the ability of L. monocytogenes to infect mast cells. It is known that the pore-forming toxin listeriolysin (LLO) is important for mast cell activation, degranulation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mast cells, however, are a potential source of a wide range of cytokines, chemokines and other mediators including osteopontin, which contributes to the clearing of L. monocytogenes infections in vivo, although its source is unknown. We therefore aimed to resolve the controversy of mast cell infection by L. monocytogenes and investigated the extent of mediator release in response to the bacterium. In this paper we show that the infection of bone marrow-derived mast cells by L. monocytogenes is inefficient and LLO-independent. LLO, however, is required for calcium-independent mast cell degranulation as well as for the transient and selective downregulation of cell surface CD117 (c-kit) on mast cells. We demonstrate that in addition to the key pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, mast cells release a wide range of other mediators in response to L. monocytogenes. Osteopontin, IL-2, IL-4, IL-13 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and chemokines including CCL2, CCL3, CCL4 and CCL5 are released in a MyD88-dependent manner. The wide range of mediators released by mast cells in response to L. monocytogenes may play an important role in the recruitment and activation of a variety of immune cells in vivo. The cocktail of mediators, however, is unlikely to skew the immune response to a particular effector response. We propose that mast cells provide a hitherto unreported source of osteopontin, and may provide an important role in co-ordinating the immune response during Listeria infection.     

Mast cells in allergy and beyond

Mast cells (MC) are highly granulated tissue dwelling cells, widely distributed throughout the body in connective tissues and on mucosal surfaces. They are derived from bone marrow progenitors that migrate into the blood and subsequently into the tissues, where they undergo final maturation. Mast cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and activation are regulated by stem cell factor, the ligand for the c-kit tyrosine kinase receptor, expressed on the mast cell surface. They release a large number of pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory mediators after activation induced by either immunoglobulin E-dependent or immunoglobulin E-independent mechanisms. Mast cells have been most widely studied in the context of allergic reactions and parasite infections, but there is now compelling evidences that they are important players in innate and acquired immunity, wound healing, fibrosis, tumors and autoimmune diseases. This review will discuss current advances in these fields.Cell facts

• Mast cells are high affinity IgE receptor bearing tissue dwelling cells containing prominent cytoplasmic granules and key cells in allergy.

• Mast cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and activation are regulated by stem cell factor.

• Mast cells and their mediators participate in innate and acquired immunity, wound healing, tissue remodeling, angiogenesis and autoimmune diseases.

     

Receptors and signaling mechanisms required for prostaglandin E2-mediated regulation of mast cell degranulation and IL-6 production

Mast cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of immunological disorders. These cells release inflammatory mediators in response to a number of stimuli, including IgE-Ag complexes. The degranulation of mast cells is modified by PGs. To begin to delineate the pathway(s) used by PGs to regulate mast cell function, we examined bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) cultured from mice deficient in the EP(1), EP(2), EP(3), and EP(4) receptors for PGE(2). Although BMMCs express all four of these PGE(2) receptors, potentiation of Ag-stimulated degranulation and IL-6 cytokine production by PGE(2) is dependent on the EP(3) receptor. Consistent with the coupling of this receptor to G(alphai), PGE(2) activation of the EP(3) receptor leads to both inhibition of adenylate cyclase and increased intracellular Ca(2+). The magnitude of increase in intracellular Ca(2+) induced by EP(3) activation is similar to that observed after activation of cells with IgE and Ag. Although PGE alone is not sufficient to initiate BMMC degranulation, stimulation of cells with PGE along with PMA induces degranulation. These actions are mediated by the EP(3) receptor through signals involving Ca(2+) mobilization and/or decreased cAMP levels. Accordingly, these studies identify PGE(2)/EP(3) as a proinflammatory signaling pathway that promotes mast cell activation.     

A20-Deficient Mast Cells Exacerbate Inflammatory Responses In Vivo

Mast cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, this notion based on studies in mast cell-deficient mice is controversial. We therefore established an in vivo model for hyperactive mast cells by specifically ablating the NF-κB negative feedback regulator A20. While A20 deficiency did not affect mast cell degranulation, it resulted in amplified pro-inflammatory responses downstream of IgE/FcεRI, TLRs, IL-1R, and IL-33R. As a consequence house dust mite- and IL-33-driven lung inflammation, late phase cutaneous anaphylaxis, and collagen-induced arthritis were aggravated, in contrast to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and immediate anaphylaxis. Our results provide in vivo evidence that hyperactive mast cells can exacerbate inflammatory disorders and define diseases that might benefit from therapeutic intervention with mast cell function.     

Endobrevin/VAMP8 mediates exocytotic release of hexosaminidase from rat basophilic leukaemia cells

Mast cells are important players in innate immunity and mediate allergic responses. Upon stimulation, they release biologically active mediators including histamine, cytokines and lysosomal hydrolases. We used permeabilized rat basophilic leukaemia cells as model to identify R-SNAREs (soluble NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein)) mediating exocytosis of hexosaminidase from mast cells. Of a complete set of recombinant mammalian R-SNAREs, only vesicle associated membrane protein (VAMP8)/endobrevin consistently blocked hexosaminidase release, which was also insensitive to treatment with clostridial neurotoxins. Thus, VAMP8, which also mediates fusion of late endosomes and lysosomes, plays a major role in hexosaminidase release, strengthening the view that mast cell granules share properties of both secretory granules and lysosomes.     

A Microplate Assay to Assess Chemical Effects on RBL-2H3 Mast Cell Degranulation: Effects of Triclosan without Use of an Organic Solvent

Mast cells play important roles in allergic disease and immune defense against parasites. Once activated (e.g. by an allergen), they degranulate, a process that results in the exocytosis of allergic mediators. Modulation of mast cell degranulation by drugs and toxicants may have positive or adverse effects on human health. Mast cell function has been dissected in detail with the use of rat basophilic leukemia mast cells (RBL-2H3), a widely accepted model of human mucosal mast cells^3-5. Mast cell granule component and the allergic mediator β-hexosaminidase, which is released linearly in tandem with histamine from mast cells⁶, can easily and reliably be measured through reaction with a fluorogenic substrate, yielding measurable fluorescence intensity in a microplate assay that is amenable to high-throughput studies¹. Originally published by Naal et al.¹, we have adapted this degranulation assay for the screening of drugs and toxicants and demonstrate its use here.Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that is present in many consumer products and has been found to be a therapeutic aid in human allergic skin disease^7-11, although the mechanism for this effect is unknown. Here we demonstrate an assay for the effect of triclosan on mast cell degranulation. We recently showed that triclosan strongly affects mast cell function². In an effort to avoid use of an organic solvent, triclosan is dissolved directly into aqueous buffer with heat and stirring, and resultant concentration is confirmed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry (using ε₂₈₀ = 4,200 L/M/cm)¹². This protocol has the potential to be used with a variety of chemicals to determine their effects on mast cell degranulation, and more broadly, their allergic potential.     

Diverse effects of bacterial cell wall components on mast cell degranulation,cysteinyl leukotriene generation and migration

Nowadays there is more and more evidence that mast cells take part in antibacterial defence. Mast cells have the ability to kill bacteria via phagocytose‐dependent or phagocytose‐independent ways and express antimicrobial peptides that can directly kill pathogens at their site of entry. What is more, mast cells are capable of processing bacterial antigens for presentation through class I and II MHC molecules. Some data indicate that these cells can release various proinflammatory mediators in response to activation with bacteria and/or their products, however this information is still far from complete. Therefore, in this study we examined the ability of PGN from Staphylococcus aureus, LPS from Eschericha coli and LAM from Mycobacterium smegmatis to stimulate mature rat mast cell degranulation as well as cysteinyl LT generation. We also studied the influence of these bacterial components on mast cell migration. We found that PGN, LPS and LAM all failed to induce mast cell degranulation and histamine release. At the same time, activation of mast cells with these bacterial antigens resulted in generation and release of significant amounts of LT. Moreover, we documented that, even in the presence of laminin, none of the bacterial antigens used stimulated mast cell migration. However, PGN did induce migration of RANTES‐primed mast cells, and LPS did stimulate mast cell migratory response after priming with IL‐6. Our results show that PGN, LPS and LAM might be among the important bacterial antigens involved in mast cell activation during bacterial infection.     

c-Fos as a regulator of degranulation and cytokine production in FcepsilonRI-activated mast cells

The AP-1 complex is composed of c-Jun and c-Fos and is a key component in the regulation of proinflammatory genes. Mast cells play a significant role in the initiation of many inflammatory responses, such as allergy and allergy-associated diseases. In the present work, we characterized the role of c-Fos in mast cell function by investigating IL-3-dependent cell proliferation, degranulation capability, and cytokine expression in c-Fos-deficient mice. In c-Fos-deficient mast cells, we found that FcepsilonRI-mediated degranulation was significantly inhibited, which correlates with the reduced expression of SWAP-70, VAMP-7, and Synaptotagmin I genes, which are involved directly in the degranulation process. These findings show that c-Fos plays an important role in FcepsilonRI-mediated regulation of mast cell function.     

肥大细胞在肿瘤发生发展中的作用

肥大细胞是人体主要免疫细胞之一,因其作为导致过敏反应发生的最直接效应细胞而著称.肥大细胞最主要的结构特征为其胞内含有大量嗜碱性颗粒,该颗粒内又富含种类众多的生物活性物质,包括组胺、血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)、成纤维细胞生长因子(fibroblast...     

Age-induced reprogramming of mast cell degranulation

Mast cell degranulation can initiate an acute inflammatory response and contribute to the progression of chronic diseases. Alteration in the cellular programs that determine the requirement for mast cell degranulation would therefore have the potential to dramatically impact disease severity. Mast cells are exposed to increased levels of PGE2 during inflammation. We show that although PGE2 does not trigger the degranulation of dermal mast cells of young animals, in older mice, PGE2 is a potent mast cell stimulator. Intradermal administration of PGE2 leads to an EP3 receptor-dependent degranulation of mast cells, with the number of degranulated cells approaching levels observed in IgE- and Ag-treated controls. Taken together, these studies suggest that the ability of PGE2 to initiate mast cell degranulation changes in the aging animal. Therefore, elevated PGE2 levels might provide an important pathway by which mast cells are engaged to participate in inflammatory responses in the elderly patient.