Role of mast cells in intestinal mucosal function: studies in models of hypersensitivity and stress

A single layer of epithelial cells lines the gastrointestinal tract, forming a critical barrier between the lunminal contents, which includes antigens and other noxious substances, and the body proper. It has become clear in recent years that the role of mast cells in the gastrointestinal mucosa is not only to react to antigens, but also to actively regulate the barrier and transport properties of the intestinal epithelium. Mucosal mast cells …