Mast cells are regarded as effectors in immune defense against parasites and venoms and play an essential role in the pathology of allergic diseases. More recently, mast cells have been shown to receive stimuli derived from type 2 immunity, tissue damage, stress, and inflammation. Mast cells then rapidly convert these diverse signals into appropriate, organ-specific protective reflexes that can limit inflammation or reduce tissue damage. In this review, we consider functions of mast cells in sensations—such as pain, itch, and nausea—arising from tissue insults and inflammation and the ensuing protective responses. In light of emerging data highlighting the involvement of mast cells in neuroimmune communication, we also propose that mast cells are “signal converters” linking immunological and tissue states with nervous system responses.

中文翻译：

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超越经典免疫：肥大细胞作为组织和神经元之间的信号转换器


肥大细胞被认为是对寄生虫和毒液进行免疫防御的效应器，并在过敏性疾病的病理学中起着至关重要的作用。最近，肥大细胞已被证明可以接收来自 2 型免疫、组织损伤、压力和炎症的刺激。然后，肥大细胞将这些不同的信号迅速转化为适当的器官特异性保护性反射，从而限制炎症或减少组织损伤。在这篇综述中，我们考虑了肥大细胞在由组织损伤和炎症以及随之而来的保护反应引起的感觉（如疼痛、瘙痒和恶心）中的功能。鉴于新出现的数据强调了肥大细胞参与神经免疫通讯，我们还提出肥大细胞是将免疫和组织状态与神经系统反应联系起来的“信号转换器”。