Signaling through the high affinity IgE receptor and conditions able to modify IgE‐antigen responsiveness of mast cells

Abstract

Signaling through the high affinity receptor for IgE (FceRI) on mast cells comprises an intricate network of protein-protein modifications and interactions leading to mast cell degranulation, lipid-derived mediator production and cytokine release. Depending on the tissue where mast cells are activated, mediator release can induce distinct allergy symptoms. FceRI receptor mainly couples to at least two Src family kinases (Lyn and Fyn), which are responsible for the initiation of the signaling cascade. Distinct membrane bound adapters couple the initial signal to the formation of particular multi-molecular complexes that, in turn, will mediate a specific final response. In this review we summarize the molecular mechanisms initiated by the FceRI receptor on mast cells that have been involved in cytokine expression. At the same time, some conditions where the main signal transduction mechanism is modified will be analyzed in order to understand how locally produced mediators could alter IgE-antigen-induced allergic responses.