Role of mutaion in the proto-oncogene c-kit in canine mast cell tumors

摘要

Mast cells are widely regarded as important effector cells in immune responses. While it has long been known that mast cells contribute to allergic disease such as asthma, it has recently been determined that mast cells also play a critical role in innate or natural immunity to bacterial pathogens. Mast cells are derived from hematopoietic precursors in the bone marrow and migrate to various tissues, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, lungs and skin, where they develop into mature cells. The exact tissue location often determines the subsequent function of mast cells, with those in the lung expressing a different array of effector proteins (mast cell proteases) than those found in the skin. Mast cells express IgE on their cell surface, the binding of which stimulates the release of various inflammatory mediators such as TNF#alpha#, IL-4, histamine, and prostaglandins.