Requirement of Interaction between Mast Cells and Skin Dendritic Cells to Establish Contact Hypersensitivity
2011

Mast Cells and Dendritic Cells in Contact Hypersensitivity

Sample size: 12 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Otsuka Atsushi, Kubo Masato, Honda Tetsuya, Egawa Gyohei, Nakajima Saeko, Tanizaki Hideaki, Kim Bongju, Matsuoka Satoshi, Watanabe Takeshi, Nakae Susumu, Miyachi Yoshiki, Kabashima Kenji

Primary Institution: Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine

Hypothesis

The study aims to re-evaluate the roles of mast cells in contact hypersensitivity using a mouse model where mast cells can be conditionally depleted.

Conclusion

Mast cells enhance dendritic cell functions by interacting with them in the skin, which is essential for establishing the sensitization phase of contact hypersensitivity.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mast cells were shown to enhance the maturation and migration of dendritic cells during the sensitization phase of contact hypersensitivity.
  • Conditional depletion of mast cells in transgenic mice resulted in significantly reduced contact hypersensitivity responses.
  • Direct interaction between mast cells and dendritic cells was necessary for effective immune response during sensitization.

Takeaway

Mast cells help other immune cells called dendritic cells do their job better, which is important for the body to recognize and respond to allergens.

Methodology

The study used transgenic mice to conditionally deplete mast cells and analyzed the effects on contact hypersensitivity and dendritic cell migration.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the use of a single mouse model and the specific conditions under which experiments were conducted.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on a specific mouse model, which may not fully represent human immune responses.

Participant Demographics

Mice used in the study were primarily C57BL/6 background transgenic mice.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025538

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