[Cytokines modulate biology of tissue mast cells].

It is well documented that most if not all aspects of mast cell development, including growth, proliferation, and the differentiation/maturation are regulated by cytokines. Nowadays there is growing evidence that cytokines also influence the biology and function of mature tissue mast cells. Some cytokines activate mast cells directly to mediator release or modulate their reactivity to other stimulating agents. Various cytokines affect mast cells migration and expression of cell receptors, at the same time regulating the survival of tissue mast cells. Taking into account that mast cells themselves are the source of many cytokines (both preformed and newly generated) it can be assumed that these cytokines regulate the function of mast cells in tissues in autocrine manner.