Mast cell cytokines in allergy and inflammation.

Recent findings indicate that mast cells can influence biological responses through the production of cytokines and suggest that many allergic reactions and other biological processes may be regulated by a "mast cell-leukocyte cytokine cascade". This hypothesis proposes that certain biological responses are initiated by mast cell activation, resulting in the mast cell-dependent release of TNF-alpha and other cytokines which can promote the recruitment of eosinophils, neutrophils, and other effector cells. The recruited effectors then influence the progression of the response by providing additional sources of some cytokines which also can be elaborated by mast cells, as well as by producing other cytokines not known to be of mast cell origin.