Inter-kingdom Signalling: Modulation of Mast cells by Commensal Bacteria

肥大细胞长期以来被认为是人类过敏性疾病的关键效应细胞，现在被认为是先天免疫反应和获得性免疫反应的主要诱导者和放大器。它们在呼吸道和肠道粘膜中的大量存在表明它们在这些入口处作为重要的守门人/哨兵在对抗感染生物方面发挥了作用。然而，肥大细胞在抵御病原体的第一线的位置也表明，它们可能在促进宿主-微生物组关系和维持超级有机体的复杂生态系统中发挥重要作用。

Mast cells long regarded as key effectors of human allergic disease are now considered primary inducers and amplifiers of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Their presence in high numbers in the airway and gut mucosa is indicative of their role as important gatekeepers/sentinels for fighting infectious organisms at these portals of entry. However, the position of mast cells on the frontline of defense against pathogens also suggests they may play an important role in fostering the host-microbiome relationship and maintaining the complex ecosystem of the super-organism.