Mini-reviewThe dual role of mast cells in tumor fate
Section snippets
Bioactive molecules stored in mast cell granules, mast cell receptors and immunological and non-immunological activities of mast cells
First described by Paul Ehrlich in 1878, mast cells classically viewed as effectors of allergy, are considered to be multifunctional immune cells involved in several disease conditions. Mast cells have a widespread tissue distribution and are found predominantly at the interface between the host and the external environment. Mast cells are located at host/environment interfaces like skin (where represent about 10% of the immune cells), airways, and gastro-intestinal (where represent about 10%
Mast cells and tumors
The association between chronic inflammation and cancer has long been recognized. Rudolf Virchow in 1863 critically recognized the presence of inflammatory cells infiltrating neoplastic tissues and first established a causative connection between the lympho-reticular infiltrate at sites of chronic inflammation and cancer [6]. In 1891, Westphal observed that in certain human tumors, mast cells were mainly localized at the periphery of the tumor [7].
Chronic inflammation directly stimulates
Experimental models
Early studies in experimentally induced epidermoid carcinoma in hamster buccal pouches by repeated topical application of dimethylbenzanthracene demonstrated sequential mast cell migration towards progressive mucosal dysplasia and subsequent development of squamous cell carcinoma [26].
Development of squamous cell carcinoma in a HPV (human papilloma virus) 16- infected transgenic mouse model of epithelial carcinogenesis provided experimental clues in favor of an early participation of mast cells
Therapeutic perspectives
There are no pharmacological agents able to suppress mast cell activation [33]. Therapeutic strategies to disrupt mast cell functions or actions of their mediators are common. Mast cells might act as a new target for the adjuvant treatment of tumors through the selective inhibition of angiogenesis, tissue remodeling and tumor promoting molecules, allowing the secretion of cytotoxic cytokines and preventing mast cell mediated immune-suppression. Pre-clinical studies in experimental models, using
Declaration of interest
None.
Conflict of interest statement
The Authors declare that there are not conflict of interest.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported in part by a grant from “Associazione Italiana Mastocitosi” to DR.
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2020, Pathology Research and PracticeCitation Excerpt :They regulate immune responses by releasing various mediators such as leukotrienes, cytokines, and a large number of proteases such as tryptase and chymase into the microenvironment [9–11]. However, the exact role of mast cells in neoplastic growth is unknown and may be multifaceted [12,13]. Some investigators have suggested that mast cells may stimulate tumor growth, neo-angiogenesis and metastasis by multiple mechanisms and may be a promising new anti-cancer target in clinical trials [11,14].
Mast Cells Are Directly Activated by Cancer Cell–Derived Extracellular Vesicles by a CD73- and Adenosine-Dependent Mechanism
2019, Translational OncologyCitation Excerpt :Such is the case of the mast cells (MCs), immune cells that are best known for their involvement in allergic reactions; however, cumulative data indicate their likewise important role in tumorigenesis [4,5]. Indeed, MCs infiltrate a large number of tumors, and depending on the circumstances, which still need to be resolved, MCs may function to promote or restrict tumor growth and invasiveness [6–9]. MCs perform their function by releasing multiple inflammatory mediators [10,11].
Microvascular density, macrophages, and mast cells in human clear cell renal carcinoma with and without bevacizumab treatment
2019, Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original InvestigationsCitation Excerpt :Inflammatory cells establish a crosstalk with tumor cells, inflammatory cells, and endothelial cells to create a complex microenvironment essential for the survival and development of the malignancy [24–26]. Specifically, TAMs and mast cells have been demonstrated to have effects on both tumor growth and angiogenesis, producing several pro-angiogenic cytokines [27,28]. TAM infiltration in RCC microenvironment contributes to cancer progression and metastasis by stimulating angiogenesis, tumor growth, and cellular migration and invasion [29].