J Bacteriol Virol.  2004 Dec;34(4):311-319.

Differential Mast Cell Response to Different Bacteria

• Kim J
• Abraham SN

Abstract

Mast cells (MCs) are highly specialized for the synthesis and secretion of pharmacologically active products. Although implicated in various inflammatory diseases such as asthma, allergy, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn's disease, MCs have also an important physiologic role in immunosurveillance and modulation of host's innate immune responses following bacterial infection. Here, we present that MCs show varying capability of recognizing and responding to different bacteria. Whereas MCs were readily degranulated and released neutrophil chemoattractants in response to E. coli or S. aureus infections, they failed to degranulate during S. typhimurium infections. Consequently, E. coli infections were associated with a vigorous neutrophil response and early bacterial clearance whereas S. typhimurium infections were associated limited neutrophil influx and bacterial multiplication at sites of infection. Interestingly, injection of compound 48/80, a MC specific activator, at sites of S. typhimurium infection triggered MC mediated neutrophil influx and bacterial clearance.

Keyword

Mast cell; Bacterial infection; Inflammatory reaction

MeSH Terms

Asthma
Bacteria*
Bacterial Infections
Chemotactic Factors
Crohn Disease
Hypersensitivity
Immunity, Innate
Mast Cells*
Monitoring, Immunologic
Multiple Sclerosis
Neutrophils
Chemotactic Factors