Role and mechanism of mast cells in solid tumors

Abstract

Mast cells are a type of innate immune cells, and have long been considered to be related to the pathogenesis of allergic and autoimmune diseases. However, in recent years, a number of studies have found that mast cells play an indispensable role in tumor development, metastasis, infiltration and angiogenesis, providing new ideas for tumor diagnosis and immunotherapy. Once mast cells have infiltrated solid tumors, they are known as tumor-associated mast cells (TAMCs) and are one of the most controversial immune cells in tumor tissues with remarkable heterogeneity. In view of the important role of mast cells in inflammation and the immune system, this paper reviews the mechanisms of mast cells in solid tumor development and their relationship with angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, aiming to deepen the understanding of the relationship between mast cells and tumors.

Keywords

• mast cells
• tumor-associated mast cells
• solid tumors
• tumor micro-environment
• angiogenesis
• lymphangiogenesis
• tumor promotion
• tumor suppression