Traditionally, mast cells (MCs) have been considered to play an important role in allergic disorders and helminth infections. More recently, MCs have been implicated in a variety of different infectious diseases including life-threatening disorders caused by viruses and bacteria. Apart from recognition through specific IgE, MCs are considered to recognize such bacteria and viruses via specific cell surface binding sites. In addition, MCs interact with diverse components and cells of the immune system and thereby may facilitate the targeting and the elimination of invading microbes in the tissues. The current article provides an overview on MC antigens contributing to microbe recognition and targeting as an important element of natural host-defense.
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