Mast cells, angiogenesis and cancer

D Ribatti, E Crivellato - Mast Cell Biology: Contemporary and Emerging …, 2011 - Springer
D Ribatti, E Crivellato
Mast Cell Biology: Contemporary and Emerging Topics, 2011Springer
Mast cells (MCs) were first described by Paul Ehrlich 1 in his doctoral thesis. MCs have long
been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic reactions and certain protective responses to
parasites. As most tumors contain inflammatory cell infiltrates, which often include plentiful
MCs, the question as to the possible contribution of MCs to tumor development has
progressively been emerging. In this chapter, the specific involvement of MCs in tumor
biology and tumor fate will be considered, with particular emphasis on the capacity of these …
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) were first described by Paul Ehrlich 1 in his doctoral thesis. MCs have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic reactions and certain protective responses to parasites. As most tumors contain inflammatory cell infiltrates, which often include plentiful MCs, the question as to the possible contribution of MCs to tumor development has progressively been emerging. In this chapter, the specific involvement of MCs in tumor biology and tumor fate will be considered, with particular emphasis on the capacity of these cells to stimulate tumor growth by promoting angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Data from experimental carcinogenesis and from different tumor settings in human pathology will be summarized. Information to be presented will suggest that MCs may serve as a novel therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Springer