Mast cells in inflammatory arthritis

Arthritis Res Ther. 2005;7(1):1-11. doi: 10.1186/ar1446. Epub 2004 Nov 2.

Abstract

Mast cells are present in limited numbers in normal human synovium, but in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases this population can expand to constitute 5% or more of all synovial cells. Recent investigations in a murine model have demonstrated that mast cells can have a critical role in the generation of inflammation within the joint. This finding highlights the results of more than 20 years of research indicating that mast cells are frequent participants in non-allergic immune responses as well as in allergy. Equipped with a diversity of surface receptors and effector capabilities, mast cells are sentinels of the immune system, detecting and delivering a first response to invading bacteria and other insults. Accumulating within inflamed tissues, mast cells produce cytokines and other mediators that may contribute vitally to ongoing inflammation. Here we review some of the non-allergic functions of mast cells and focus on the potential role of these cells in murine and human inflammatory arthritis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Experimental / immunology
  • Arthritis, Experimental / pathology*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology*
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Autoantigens / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology*
  • Bacterial Infections / immunology
  • Bacterial Infections / pathology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / metabolism
  • Eicosanoids / metabolism
  • Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase / immunology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Mast Cells / immunology*
  • Mast Cells / metabolism
  • Mast Cells / pathology
  • Mesoderm / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / etiology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / immunology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
  • Synovial Membrane / immunology
  • Synovial Membrane / pathology

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens
  • Cytokines
  • Eicosanoids
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • I-Ak antigen
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase