The role of mast cells and basophils in immunoregulation

The production of a wide range of cytokines by mast cells in response to activation by allergen places the mast cell in the center of the allergic inflammatory response. These cytokines may lead to eosinophil, basophil, and T cell recruitment. Coordinated production of IL-4 and IL-5 by TH2 helper cells enhanced IgE responsivity, thus perpetuating the allergic inflammatory response. As a variety of leukocytes involved in the allergic inflammatory response may produce cytokines, the critical nature of these mediators of inflammation in promoting and perpetuating inflammation is now well appreciated.