PMID: 9187918Jan 1, 1997Paper

Role of C3a and C5a in the activation of mast cells

Experimental and Clinical Immunogenetics
Anna ErdeiI Pecht

Abstract

Mast cells and basophils are known to be triggered by allergens via cross-linking with their high-affinity IgE-binding receptors, Fc epsilon RI. The anaphylatoxic activity of the complement-derived peptides C3a and C5a has been known for a long time; however, it has also been reported that serosal- and mucosal-type mast cells respond differently to peptidergic stimuli. The mechanism of mast cell activation by cross-linking of Fc epsilon RI has been the subject of intensive studies in the past few years, while the action mode of the anaphylatoxic complement peptides has been revealed only recently. We report about a novel function of C3a: its inhibitory activity on IgE-mediated triggering of the mucosal RBL-2H3 cells. Surprisingly, the other anaphylatoxic peptide C5a, which has been shown to be significantly more effective in several biological assays, did not influence antigen-induced triggering of the RBL-2H3 cell line at all.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Alternative Complement Pathway

The Alternative Complement Pathway is part of the innate immune system, and activation generates membrane attack complexes that kill pathogenic cells. Discover the latest research on the Alternative Complement Pathway.

Basophils

Basophils are myeloid cells with a high affinity IgE receptor and is involved in inflammatory responses during allergy. Discover the latest research on Basophils here.