Mast cells, angiogenesis, and tumour growth |
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Authors: | Domenico Ribatti Enrico Crivellato |
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Institution: | a Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italyb Department of Medical and Morphological Research, Anatomy Section, University of Udine Medical School, 34100 Udine, Italy |
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Abstract: | Accumulation of mast cells (MCs) in tumours was described by Ehrlich in his doctoral thesis. Since this early account, ample evidence has been provided highlighting participation of MCs to the inflammatory reaction that occurs in many clinical and experimental tumour settings. MCs are bone marrow-derived tissue-homing leukocytes that are endowed with a panoply of releasable mediators and surface receptors. These cells actively take part to innate and acquired immune reactions as well as to a series of fundamental functions such as angiogenesis, tissue repair, and tissue remodelling. The involvement of MCs in tumour development is debated. Although some evidence suggests that MCs can promote tumourigenesis and tumour progression, there are some clinical sets as well as experimental tumour models in which MCs seem to have functions that favour the host. One of the major issues linking MCs to cancer is the ability of these cells to release potent pro-angiogenic factors. This review will focus on the most recent acquisitions about this intriguing field of research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mast cells in inflammation. |
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Keywords: | Angiogenesis Antiangiogenesis Mast cells Tumour growth |
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