Research group "Mast cells"

Mast cells are key effector cells in allergic inflammation. Allergy is defined as an immunologic hyperreaction on normally harmless environmental antigens (allergens). Allergies go along with typical symptoms like eczema, mucosal swelling, vomiting and diarrhea or even anaphylactic shock, all of them resulting from inflammatory processes. After contact with the allergen, allergen specific IgE antibodies are produced and bound to the IgE receptor on mast cell surfaces (sensitization phase). Upon a second contact with the specific allergen, the allergens bind to IgE antibodies which leads to activation of IgE receptors and therefore to anaphylactic reaction with release of mediators like histamine followed by inflammatory reactions.