Neural Regeneration Research (Jan 2020)

Should mast cells be considered therapeutic targets in multiple sclerosis?

  • Karen Henriette Pinke,
  • Sofia Fernanda Gonçalves Zorzella-Pezavento,
  • Vanessa Soares Lara,
  • Alexandrina Sartori

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.282238
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 11
pp. 1995 – 2007

Abstract

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Mast cells are immune cells of the myeloid lineage that are found throughout the body, including the central nervous system. They perform many functions associated with innate and specific immunity, angiogenesis, and vascular homeostasis. Moreover, they have been implicated in a series of pathologies (e.g., hypersensitivity reactions, tumors, and inflammatory disorders). In this review, we propose that this cell could be a relevant therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis, which is a central nervous system degenerative disease. To support this proposition, we describe the general biological properties of mast cells, their contribution to innate and specific immunity, and the participation of mast cells in the various stages of multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis development. The final part of this review is dedicated to an overview of the available mast cells immunomodulatory drugs and their activity on multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, including our own experience related to the effect of ketotifen fumarate on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis evolution.

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