Insights into the mast cell–microbiome connection in the skin

Recent years have witnessed considerable advancement in the understanding of mast cell (MC) development and function in health and disease. MCs arise from CD34+ bone marrow–derived progenitors, but unlike other hematopoietic cells, they are not released to the blood circulation in a mature state.1 Rather, MC precursors home to peripheral tissues, where they reach full differentiation after birth under the influence of the local microenvironment. At this stage, they express the high-affinity IgE receptor FcεRI, along with the stem cell factor (SCF) receptor c-Kit, which is a critical determinant in their maturation, proliferation, and survival.

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