Introduction

Mast cells (MCs) are innate immune cells with cytoplasmic granules that are developed from CD34 and CD117 expressing hematopoietic MC progenitor cells (MCps). A well-organized chemokine and integrin-based trafficking system contributes to the migration of MCps from bone marrow where they originate, through the circulation and finally to the target tissues [1]. Expression of integrins, mainly α4β7 and α4β1, on MCps helps them traffic from the circulation into the lung by binding to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expressed on the endothelium [2]. MCps complete their final stage of differentiation to functional MCs under the influence of growth factors particularly stem cell factor (SCF) [3]. In addition to SCF, there are other cytokines that contribute to the growth and differentiation of MCps to functional mature MCs including transforming growth factor (TGF)β, nerve growth factor (NGF), interleukin (IL)-3, IL-4, IL-9, and IL-33 [2]. Crosslinking of the high-affinity immunoglobulin (Ig)E receptor (FcεRI) by allergen bounded IgE acts as a stimulus for triggers the signaling pathways which result in degranulation of MCs [4] (Fig. 1). Upon degranulation, MCs release a broad spectrum of mediators which are classified in three groups including pre-formed mediators (including histamine, tryptase, and chymase), de novo mediators including prostaglandin (PG)D2, leukotriene (LT)B4, and LTD4, and also a long list of cytokines and growth factors such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TGF-β, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-10, IL-8, IL-5, IL-3, and IL-1 [5, 6]. Two major subsets of MCs have been described in humans. These differ according to their secretory granule (SG) protease content and anatomical distribution: tryptase- and chymase-positive MCs (MCTC) which can be mainly found in connective tissues and their SGs contain tryptase, chymase, carboxypeptidase, and cathepsin and a tryptase-positive MC (MCT) subset which are defined by expression of tryptase and absence of chymase and their distribution in the lung and gut [7]. Interestingly, in lung tissues, the MCT subtype releases IL-5 and IL-6, whereas the MCTC subtype expresses IL-4 and IL-13 [8]. Beyond their classic role in IgE-dependent allergic disorders of the lung, MCs may play a role in IgE-independent disorders and contribute to tissue remodeling and reshaping of the lung tumor microenvironment. This review describes MC stimulation and biology and the mechanisms underlying SG release and then describes the evidence for an IgE-independent role of MCs in the chronic lung diseases asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and lung cancer.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Tissue-resident MCs are the terminally differentiated cells from CD34+/CD117+ MC progenitors (MCps) that originate from the bone marrow. MCps after being released into the circulation reach their target tissues according to a controlled trafficking pattern mostly based on ligand-integrin interactions enter the tissues. MC expression of α4β7 and α4β1 integrins by MCps with vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expressed by the endothelium of lung tissues, for example, supports their trafficking into the lungs. MCp differentiation to functional and mature MCs depends on several growth factors including stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin (IL)-3, IL-4, IL-9, IL-33, nerve growth factor (NGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β

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Molecular Mechanism of IgE/FcεRI-Mediated Activation of MCs

The expression of tetrameric αβγ2 complex of FcεRI by tissue-resident MCs and circulatory basophils enables them to respond to IgE. Physical interaction between IgE and FcεRI is mediated by the α subunit [9]. The β- and γ-chains possess an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in their cytoplasmic domains [9] and phosphorylation of these ITAMs by the Src-family protein tyrosine kinase Lyn occurs after IgE/FcεRI engagement. ITAM-bound Syk and Fyn can enhance Lyn-mediated phosphorylation and indeed several protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) promote phosphorylation and activation of downstream signaling molecules including transmembrane adaptor proteins (TRAPs) and linker for activation of T cells (LAT). Phosphorylated TRAPs act as membrane docking points for SH2 domains containing proteins such as Grb2 and the subsequent recruitment and activation of phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ). PLCγ produces several second messengers including diacylglycerol” (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) following modulation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate” (PIP2). IP3, which induces Ca2+ efflux from the endoplasmic reticulum, together with the calcium sensor stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)/ORAI1, results in enhanced intracellular Ca2+ levels, MC degranulation, and the release of a wide spectrum of mediators into the surrounding microenvironment [10,11,12,13] (Fig. 2). The importance of IgE/FcεRI signaling in the activation and degranulation of MCs has led to several strategies for the pharmaceutical control of MC activation which are summarized in Table 1.

Fig. 2
figure 2

Mast cells (MCs) respond to a wide range of pathologic and environmental stimuli owing to the expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and RIG-1-like receptors (RLRs). TLR-1, -2, -4, -5, and -6 respond to extracellular ligands mainly cell wall components of bacteria. Moreover, expression of endosomal TLRs including TLR-3, -7, -8, and -9 by MCs enables them to respond to intracellular pathogens including viruses. The expression of receptors for cytokines forms a complicated cytokine network around MCs and plays an important role in MC-immune cells cell-talk. Additionally, MCs express a variety of CCR and CXCR chemokine receptors by which respond to chemokines. IgE/FcεRI signaling has the central role in the degranulation of MCs in response to the allergen. Crosslinking of FcεRI by allergen bounded IgE triggers the signaling pathway and engaging intracellular signaling molecules including Lyn and SYK. Activation of phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) results in the formation of second messengers including “diacylglycerol” (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and the influx of calcium that induces the degranulation. The consequence of IgE/FcεRI signaling is releasing various mediators including preformed, de novo synthesized, and cytokines

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Table 1 Strategies introduced to interfere IgE/FcεRI signaling
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MC Expression and Degranulation by TLRs and Lectin Receptors

Although IgE/FcεRI signaling is the main pathway through which MCs become activated and degranulate MCs express other receptors that can induce cell activation [14], these receptors make MCs highly effective responders to different endogenous and exogenous airborne factors. Early mRNA studies showed that human and mice MCs express several toll-like receptors (TLRs) including TLR1, TLR-2, TLR-4, and TLR-6 through which they respond to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan to produce LTC4, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL5, IL-13, and GM-CSF [15]. Indeed, the expression of TLRs enables MCs to act as sentinel and responding cells when they encounter environmental pathogens. Activation of TLR-4 and TLR-6 on MCs results in the upregulation of cytokines mainly GM-CSF, IL-8, and IL-10. Additionally, the engagement of TLR-8 by single strand-RNA induces the release of IL-8, MIP-1α, and TNF-α [16]. MCs also express C-type lectin receptors including the type II transmembrane β-glucan receptor Dectin-1 which is involved in microbial defense. Exposure of MCs to yeast C. albicans results in MC degranulation and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines including CCL3, CCL4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. Blockade of Dectin-1, but not of TLR-2, confirmed the key role of Dectin-1 in the release of TNFα in response to C. albicans [17]. Engagement and activation of MC-expressed scavenger receptor CD36 and of TLR-4 are implicated in the microbial defense against Coxiella burnetii by MCs. This leads to the release of actin filaments (cytonemes) bound to cathelicidin and of neutrophil elastase which enables the capture and elimination of Coxiella burnetii [18] (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3
figure 3

Cytokines, exogenous chemical components, and a variety of microbes can activate MCs. The mediator releasing pattern depends on engaged receptors including TLRs, complement receptors, and cytokine receptors. MCs respond to a variety of microbes by expressing surface receptors to recognize the pathogens, i.e., MCs respond to the presence of Coxiella burnetii by CD36 and TLR4 and release neutrophil elastase/cathelicidin attached to actin filaments around the Coxiella burnetii to confine the infection

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MC Activation by Complement Receptors and Other GPCRs

MCs express several complement receptors and receptors to anaphylatoxins including C3aR and C5aR (CD88) [19, 20]. Activation of MCs with C3a, for example, induces the release of MCP-1/CCL2 and RANTES/CCL5 in LAD2 cells [20]. IL-37 possesses antimicrobial properties and promotes physiologic processes including inflammation and angiogenesis. IL-37-mediated MC activation occurs through the G protein-coupled receptor MrgX2 in human MCs and is considered a promising new treatment in MC-driven disorders [21]. Interestingly, MC-derived heparin may inactivate IL-37 by homodimerization with macrophage-derived IL-37 in response to TLR activation [22, 23]. Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor subtype 1 (CRFR1) expressed on MCs interacts with its ligand corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) to enhance MC degranulation [24]. Endogenous factors include several cytokines and neuropeptides which stimulate MC degranulation when they engage with the corresponding receptors on MCs (Table 2). The proximity of nerves and MCs within the perivascular space in organs such as the heart may lead to activation of MCs by factors such as substance P released by neurons. Levick et al. reported that substance P activates cardiac MCs via cell surface neurokinin-1 receptors to induce the release of histamine [25]. Similarly, mucosal MCs and nerve fibers containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are in close proximity within the colon of mice with food allergy (FA). Kim and colleagues studied the effects of CGRP on MCs using a CGRP-receptor antagonist, BIBN4096BS and concluded that blockade of the CGRP/CGRP receptor (CGRPR) interaction alleviates allergic symptoms [26]. Yang et al. described a mastocytosis-like disease in mice following MC stimulation by NGF and subsequent binding to its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) [27].

Table 2 Cytokines and neuropeptides that are capable of inducing MC degranulation
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Control of Secretory Granule Release by MC Receptors

As described above, human MCs are heterogeneous and are often characterized by the neutral protease content within granules, e.g., MCTC skin mast cells and MCT lung mast cells [28]. MC granule subpopulations can be further defined at the ultrastructural and protein content level. Thus, type I granules contain MHC class II, β-hexosaminidase, Lysosomal-associated membrane protein (LAMP)-1 and -2, and the mannose 6 phosphate receptor (M6PR); type II granules contain these mediators plus serotonin and type III granules contain β-hexosaminidase and serotonin but not MHC class II [29]. The triggering of SG release by various mast cell stimuli is complex and tightly regulated [30]. In its most simplistic form, the fusion of the SG membrane with the cell plasma membrane can allow SG contents to be released into the extracellular space. Besides, three other distinct types of SG degranulation have been described: (i) “Kiss-and-run” exocytosis allows partial release of the SG cargo through the formation of a transient fusion pore; (ii) “Piecemeal exocytosis” using vesicles to shuttle SG stored mediators to the plasma membrane; and (iii) “compound exocytosis” or “anaphylactic degranulation” wherein fused SG-SG multi-granular structures merge with the plasma membrane [30]. These distinct types of SG content release can elicit the rapid and complete release of contents (compound exocytosis) while piecemeal degranulation allows the precise release of specific SG components. Different MC triggers or stimuli allow these distinct SG release processes to occur. For example, the degranulation responses triggered by Mas-related gene x2 (MRGX2) and FceRI differ in the quality and degree of mediator release [31] with reduced cytokine (TNF, IL-13, VEGF, and MCP-1) and eicosanoid (PGE2 and PGD2) release being less following MRGX2 stimulation despite comparable levels of MC degranulation. Thus, the specificity and extent of MC degranulation are stimulus-dependent and regulated by the plethora of MC cell surface receptors. Mechanistically, MC SG exocytosis requires SNAREs [soluble NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor) attachment protein receptors] and SM (Sec1-Munc18) proteins [29]. Multiple sets of SNARE-SM complexes exist which differentially regulate both constitutive and regulated SG membrane fusion and mediator release. Support for stimulus/SNARE specificity derives from the inhibition of specific SNARE proteins selectivity suppressed the release of CXCL8, CCL2, and CCL3 from IgE/FcεRI-stimulated MCs [32]. This suggests that different MC stimuli may exploit distinct exocytic fusion machinery to induce the selective release of mediators from SGs although this needs to be confirmed [29].

The Role of MCs in Non-allergic Airway Disease

Role of MCs in Non-allergic Asthma

MCs are the main innate immune cells orchestrating allergic asthma when allergen-specific IgE sensitizes MCs by binding to FcεRI. Further exposure to the same allergen evokes MC degranulation of MCs. However, IgE-independent interactions at both cellular and molecular levels can affect the progression and maintenance of inflammation and allergy in the lungs. MC activation during allergic asthma may also result from factors released by other cell types in an IgE-independent manner. In this regard, allergen exposure induces the release of IL-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) from the airway epithelium. IL-33, acting through ST2 on the MC, triggers the MyD88 signaling pathway resulting in the activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathways. These pathways consequently result in MC activation, proliferation, and the release of LTs [33]. In chronic asthma, MCs may contribute to airway remodeling through the release of factors including tryptase which induces the production of type I collagen by fibroblasts. Moreover, tryptase and histamine together promote the proliferation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells [34]. Interestingly, tryptase released from MCs may also activate the pro-metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 produced by ASM to form active MMP1 [35]. The levels of MMP1 in individuals with asthma correlate with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and exacerbation of disease [35].

Role of MCs in the Pathology of COPD

The umbrella term Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is used to describe a set of symptoms mainly chronic bronchitis and airway obstruction, remodeling of the small airways, and emphysema, which results in an irreversible decline in the function of the pulmonary system [36]. Infiltration of a variety of inflammatory cell types including neutrophils and macrophages into the small airways is a common finding in COPD [36]. Ekberg-Jansson et al. investigated the distribution of MCs in different bronchial compartments of 29 asymptomatic smokers and 16 healthy non-smokers. The smoking group had higher numbers of infiltrating MCs in the epithelium, lamina propria, and smooth muscle compared with the non-smoking group. Besides, the intensity of structural and histologic changes such as epithelial integrity and thickness of the laminin layer was correlated with MC density [37]. Furthermore, individuals with COPD have a lower density of MCT in the subepithelial area of the central airways comparing with healthy controls and the density of MCT correlates positively with the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio [38]. In contrast, Kosanovic and colleagues reported that chymase-positive MCs increased particularly in the perivascular regions of the lungs and that their number was positively correlated with better lung function in individuals with COPD [39]. In a rat model of COPD induced by nitrogen dioxide inhalation, inhibition of MCs by sodium cromoglycate prevented nerve-mediated bronchial smooth muscle hyperactivity [40]. Mechanistically, this required the A2B subtype of adenosine receptor on MCs, which induced histamine release and smooth muscle contraction [40]. Finally, MCs may be involved in the functional effects of the enhanced IL-17A expression reported in COPD. IL-17A, acting through IL-17 receptors (IL-17RA and IL-17RC) on MCs, induces the release of the proangiogenic factors fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and VEGF to mediate vascular remodeling [41].

Distribution of MCs and their Function in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive fibrotic lung disease with a poorly understood etiology [42]. Induction of myofibroblast apoptosis usually occurs following the completion of scarring and contributes to the control of the degree of fibrosis. However, myofibroblasts continue to produce excessive amounts of matrix components during aberrant wound healing processes [43]. The number of infiltrating MCs is increased in IPF lungs than in normal healthy lungs and infiltrating MC numbers correlates with the degree of fibrosis [44]. Mechanistically, this may involve MC-derived chymase which can induce fibroblast proliferation [43, 45]. In fibrotic lung diseases, the interplay between MCs and fibroblasts contributes to the formation of a profibrotic milieu in which fibroblasts support MC survival and proliferation by producing SCF and in turn, MC-derived chymase activates latent TGF-β1 which mediates fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation [46, 47]. The distribution of MC subsets has been investigated and the MCT population remains unchanged while the MCTC population is increased in healthy parenchyma of IPF patients. In contrast, both subtypes were increased significantly in fibrotic parenchyma [47].

Role of MCs in Lung Cancer

MC accumulation within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is mediated by SCF and CCL15 released from tumor cells [48]. MCs may also contribute to shaping the TME by releasing a variety of angiogenic mediators including chymase, tryptase, VEGF, IL-6, FGF-2, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). MC release of MMP9 can induce ECM degradation and thereby support tumor progression and metastasis [48]. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there is a greater infiltration of both MCT and MCTC in patients with extended survival comparing with patients with poor survival. Both MC subtypes produce TNF-α which plays a role in anti-tumor immune responses [8]. Qu and colleagues demonstrated that human MC migration in vitro was enhanced by the release of CCL5 from the NSCLC cell lines A549 and SPC-α-1. Furthermore, in vivo transplantation of a human MC cell line (HMC-1) together with A549 cells into nude mice showed that MCs support tumor progression through their release of IL-8 which induced β-catenin phosphorylation in NSCLC cells [49]. MCs also enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition which is important in tumor migration and progression [49]. Infiltration of MCs has also been reported in human lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) tissues. Lilis and co-workers applied three KRAS-mutant LADC models to two MC-deficient mouse strains (cKitWsh and Cpa3.Cre) [50]. They showed that MCs infiltrate into tumors and that a MC deficiency protects the mice from tumor initiation within the airway and alveolar epithelium following induction with the carcinogen urethane or the oncogenic KRASG12D mutant respectively. Enhanced tumor progression required IL-1β release from KIT+ MCs localized within the TME [50].

MMP9, MCs, and Airway Remodeling in Airway Disease

It is unknown whether the MC release of MMP9 in cancer is mimicked in other diseases. However, there is some evidence that MMPs may play a role in MC-regulated remodeling. In a mouse model of asthma, Clostridium butyricum CGMCC0313-1 (C. butyricum) significantly reduced lung function, airway inflammation, mast cell degranulation, and airway remodeling. These effects were associated with reduced MMP9 expression [51]. Besides, there is a strong correlation between MMP9 expression and mast cell numbers after nasal allergen challenge in subjects with allergic rhinitis [52]. Furthermore, the IL-3-stimulated release of MM9 by murine MCs is essential for MC migration into tissues and suppressed by stem cell factor [53]. This suggests that there is an interplay between stem cell factor, MMP9, and mast cell engagement with tissue matrix. Other MMPs such as MMP10 have been associated with MC activation, airway remodeling, and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization in severe asthma [54], while airway smooth muscle-derived MMP1 was activated by MC tryptase enabling the development of a proliferative ECM that may account for the association with a link to airway responsiveness in severe asthma [35]. Finally, activated MCs in 3D culture resulted in enhanced release of active MMP2 and ASM proliferation [55] and of collagen and MMP2 and MMP3 release and fibroblast contraction [56].

Conclusion

Beyond their well-documented role in allergy, MCs are also involved in the pathology of non-allergic diseases including autoimmune disorders, obesity, infertility, and even physiologic processes such as wound healing. They owe much of this ability to the expression of a wide spectrum of cell surface receptors including those for complement and various cytokines. MCs release a plethora of mediators in a stimulus-dependent manner despite similar degrees of degranulation. This enables them to crosstalk with other immune/non-immune cells. Studying the role of MCs in pathology of non-allergic diseases is not simple due to different anatomic distribution of MCs and MC subtypes, different immune responses to different stimuli, their ability to release both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in a context-dependent manner, limited number of MC-deficient mice models for each disease, inconsistent results of in vivo and in vitro investigations, and the limited number of mice and human cell lines. However, careful design of experiments and future single-cell RNA-sequence analysis of individual MCs from patient samples at baseline and in response to therapies will help define MC involvement in disease. New in vitro and in vivo models that utilize this information can then be derived to provide further insight into this important area.