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Mast cells and innate immunity: master troupes of the avian immune system

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 August 2017

Z.U. REHMAN ,
C. MENG ,
S. UMAR ,
K.M. MAHROSE ,
C. DING  and
M. MUNIR
Z.U. REHMAN
Affiliation:
Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute (SHVRI), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, China Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
C. MENG
Affiliation:
Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute (SHVRI), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, China
S. UMAR
Affiliation:
Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
K.M. MAHROSE
Affiliation:
Poultry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
C. DING*
Affiliation:
Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute (SHVRI), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, China
M. MUNIR
Affiliation:
Avian Innate Immunity and Host Genetic Diversity, Avian Viral Diseases Programme, The Pirbright Institute, Surrey, GU24 0NF, United Kingdom
*
Corresponding author: [email protected]
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Abstract

Mast cells (MCs) are granulated cells of haematopoietic lineage and constitute a major sensory arm of the immune system. MCs dually guard hosts and regulate immune responses against invading pathogens. This property of the MCs is attributed to their adaptability to detect stress signals and pathogens, and the production of signal specific mediators to engage immune cells for clearance of infectious agents. Pathogen-specific signals establish basis for the initiation of adoptive immune responses. These immune regulatory roles of MCs have opened avenues to engage different MCs activators which culminate in effective passive immunisation. The molecular mechanisms and dynamics of functionalities of MCs in host defences have been extensively characterised in mammals and rodents, and research on MCs in avian species is emerging. This review surveys the development, morphology and distribution of MCs in different tissues of the poultry and highlight areas that can be exploited for disease control and prevention.

Keywords

mast cellimmune systemvirusbacteriaparasitepoultry
Type
Reviews
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 73 , Issue 3 , September 2017 , pp. 621 - 632
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2017 

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