Figure 2

A summary of mast cell pro- and anti-inflammatory activities. Mast cells are activated by a wide array of stimuli, consistent with a sentinel role. However, mast cell activation can both enhance and inhibit inflammation, a process that is not fully understood and likely involves significant contextual cues. Of the many possible factors, TNF appears to be the most common in eliciting inflammation, whereas IL-10 is a logical and powerful immunosuppressant.