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Paul Ehrlich’s Mastzellen: A Historical Perspective of Relevant Developments in Mast Cell Biology

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Mast Cells

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1220))

Abstract

Following the discovery of mast cells (or mastzellen) by the prolific physician researcher, Paul Ehrlich, many advances have improved our understanding of these cells and their fascinating biology. The discovery of immunoglobulin E and receptors for IgE and IgG on mast cells heralded further in vivo and in vitro studies, using molecular technologies and gene knockout models. Mast cells express an array of inflammatory mediators including tryptase, histamine, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. They play a role in many varying disease states, from atopic diseases, parasitic infections, hematological malignancies, and arthritis to osteoporosis. This review will attempt to summarize salient evolving areas in mast cell research over the last few centuries that have led to our current understanding of this pivotal multifunctional cell.

I would like to dedicate this chapter to my father, Dr. Narayanaswamy Krishnaswamy, M.B.B.S., an immunologist and clinician extraordinaire, who encouraged me to enter academic medicine and who continues to inspire me with his clinical acumen, his wide-armed compassion, and his practical yet gentle wisdom. By Guha Krishnaswamy, M.D.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614-0622, USA

    Jack Ghably, Emma Peiris B.A. & Niva Misra B.A.

  2. James H. Quillen VA Medical Center and Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614-0622, USA

    Jack Ghably, Emma Peiris B.A. & Niva Misra B.A.

  3. Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic, 200 Hawkins Drive, 4GH, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA

    Hana Saleh M.D.

  4. Hematology and Medical Oncology, Georgia Regents University, Medical College of Georgia, 1120, 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA

    Harsha Vyas M.D.

  5. Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cancer Center of Middle Georgia LLC, 206 B Hospital Dr, Dublin, GA, 31021, USA

    Harsha Vyas M.D.

  6. Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergic and Immunological Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wake Baptist Medical Center and Brenner Childrens Hospital and Wake Forrest University, Bottom of Form, Watlington Hall Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Medical Center Blvd., Inston-Salem, NC, 27157-1090, USA

    Guha Krishnaswamy M.D.

Authors
  1. Jack Ghably
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  2. Hana Saleh M.D.
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  3. Harsha Vyas M.D.
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  4. Emma Peiris B.A.
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  5. Niva Misra B.A.
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  6. Guha Krishnaswamy M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Guha Krishnaswamy M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Genetics, The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Michael R. Hughes

  2. Department of Medical Genetics, The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Kelly M. McNagny

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Ghably, J., Saleh, H., Vyas, H., Peiris, E., Misra, N., Krishnaswamy, G. (2015). Paul Ehrlich’s Mastzellen: A Historical Perspective of Relevant Developments in Mast Cell Biology. In: Hughes, M., McNagny, K. (eds) Mast Cells. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1220. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1568-2_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1568-2_1

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-1567-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-1568-2

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