FcεRI-Dependent Signaling Pathways in Human Mast Cells

Mast cells play a central role in the initiation of the symptomology associated with asthma and other allergic disorders. These reactions are a direct consequence of the release of proinflammatory mediators following antigen-dependent aggregation of occupied high-affinity IgE receptors (Fc epsilon RI) expressed on the surface of these cells. The signal transduction pathways linking these events are of interest as a better understanding of these processes may eventually lead to the development of novel therapies for the treatment of mast cell-driven allergic disorders. Research conducted in rodent cells over the last 20 years has provided much information about the fundamental signaling events initiated following Fc epsilon RI aggregation; however, the role of these events in human mast cells, in both experimental and physiological settings, has yet to be fully established. Additional research on this topic is thus required. The aim of this short review is to describe the current state of knowledge of research in the field of Fc epsilon RI-dependent mast cell signaling, especially how these studies may relate to the activation of human mast cells.