Immune regulation by mast cells
Abstract
The objective of this PhD thesis is to understand mast cell (and basophil) functions and their role in autoimmune disease by focusing on three main aims: 1. To characterize the interaction between innate and Fc receptor triggers on mast cell and basophil function 2. To analyze the interaction between mast cells and CD4+ T cells 3. To understand the function of mast cells in chronic inflammation In this thesis I showed that mast cells can significantly contribute to chronic inflammation through their activation by Fc receptors and TLRs, as well as their interaction with CD4+ T cells, thereby increasing our understanding of their role in allergy and autoimmunity and providing several therapeutic targets to prevent mast cell-mediated immune responses.
