Role for interleukin-3 in mast-cell and basophil development and in immunity to parasites
Article Abstract:
The cytokine interleukin-3 (IL-3) is likely to be an important connection between the immune and haematopoietic systems because it is thought to be responsible for the efficient formation and survival of tissue mast cells and blood basophils. Research with mice which are deficient in IL-3 has shown that IL-3 is not essential but it does help to increase the numbers of tissue mast cells and blood basophils. These mice have a lowered immunity to parasitic infection.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Impaired mast cell-dependent natural immunity in complement C3-deficient mice
Article Abstract:
The complement system is crucial for normal inflammation due to its ability to activate mast cells. Studies have questioned the important of complement however. The responses of complement-deficient mice were examined to determine the role of complement in mast cell-dependent natural immunity. C4 or C3-deficient mice were more sensitive to caecal ligation and puncture and C3-deficient mich showed a reduction in peritoneal mast cell degranulation.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Mast-cell heparin demystified
Article Abstract:
Humphries and colleagues and Forsberg and colleagues have reported that targeted disruption of the gene for glucosaminyl N-decetylast/N-sulphotransferase-2 (NDST-2) causes transgenic mice lacking heparin. This indicates a physiological function for the molecule beyond regulating the storage of other mediators in the mast-cell cytoplasmic granule.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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