Mast Cells: When the Best Defense Is an Attack?

Abstract

The main goal of this Special Issue was to highlight the recent advances made on the role of mast cells (MCs) in host defense and pathology. MCs are recognized as crucial initiators and regulators of both innate and adaptive immune responses against pathogens. MCs are resident tissue cells found throughout the body, mainly in association with blood vessels and nerves, and are preferentially observed at mucosal surfaces and the skin