Mast cells and their role in pathogenesis of selected skin diseases

Abstract

Mast cells derived from bone marrow hematopoetic stem cells, have the ability to release multiple biologically active substances (such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, neuropeptides, and proteolytic enzymes). On the surface of mast cells, there are numerous receptors that determine the function of these cells and enable them to interact with the cells of the immune system and the neuroendocrine system of the skin. In mastocytosis, there is a clonal proliferation of mast cells which accumulate in various tissues, particularly in the skin and the bone marrow. In severe forms of systemic disease infiltration of organs leads to an impairment of their function. Both patients with cutaneous and systemic mastocytosis suffer from mast cell mediator-related symptoms. In atopic dermatitis MCs are involved in type I hypersensitivity reactions, promote the differentiation of cells towards Th2 or Th1, secrete mediators involved in the pathogenesis of pruritus, stimulate chemotaxis of lymphocytes and dendritic cells into the skin and contribute to the development of chronic inflammation of the skin. In psoriasis an increased number of MCs was found in skin lesions. Moreover, these cells secrete numerous proinflammatory cytokines, stimulate migration of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes into the skin and secrete mediators which induce itching.