Mast cells are unique tissue-resident immune cells that express an array of receptors that can be activated by several extracellular cues, including antigen–immunoglobulin E (IgE) complexes, bacteria, viruses, cytokines, hormones, peptides, and drugs. Mast cells constitute a small population in tissues, but their extraordinary ability to respond rapidly by releasing granule-stored and newly made mediators underpins their importance in health and disease. In this review, we document the biology of mast cells and introduce new concepts and opinions regarding their role in human diseases beyond IgE-mediated allergic responses and antiparasitic functions. We bring to light recent discoveries and developments in mast cell research, including regulation of mast cell functions, differentiation, survival, and novel mouse models. Finally, we highlight the current and future opportunities for therapeutic intervention of mast cell functions in inflammatory diseases.

肥大细胞是独特的组织驻留免疫细胞，表达一系列受体，这些受体可以被多种细胞外信号激活，包括抗原-免疫球蛋白E（IgE）复合物，细菌，病毒，细胞因子，激素，肽和药物。肥大细胞仅占组织中的一小部分，但是它们非凡的反应能力则是通过释放颗粒储存的和新产生的介体来快速反应，从而增强了它们在健康和疾病中的重要性。在这篇综述中，我们记录了肥大细胞的生物学特性，并介绍了有关其在IgE介导的变态反应和抗寄生虫功能之外在人类疾病中的作用的新概念和观点。我们揭示了肥大细胞研究的最新发现和发展，包括调节肥大细胞功能，分化，存活和新型小鼠模型。最后，