Mast cells reduce inflammation: mammals

Mast cells of mammals reduce long-term inflammation by secreting a protein known as interleukin-10.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Regulate physiological processes >
	Homeostasis

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Allergic contact dermatitis, such as in response to poison ivy or poison oak, and chronic low-dose ultraviolet B irradiation can damage the skin. Mast cells produce proinflammatory mediators that are thought to exacerbate these prevalent acquired immune or innate responses. Here we found that, unexpectedly, mast cells substantially limited the pathology associated with these responses, including infiltrates of leukocytes, epidermal hyperplasia and epidermal necrosis. Production of interleukin 10 by mast cells contributed to the anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive effects of mast cells in these conditions. Our findings identify a previously unrecognized function for mast cells and mast cell–derived interleukin 10 in limiting leukocyte infiltration, inflammation and tissue damage associated with immunological or innate responses that can injure the skin." (Grimbaldeston et al. 2007:1095)

About the inspiring organism

Mammalia
Mammalia

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Medicine

Experts

The Galli Lab
Stephen Galli
Department of Pathology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine

References

Grimbaldeston, Michele A.; Nakae, Susumu; Kalesnikoff, Janet; Tsai, Mindy; Galli, Stephen J. 2007. Mast cell-derived interleukin 10 limits skin pathology in contact dermatitis and chronic irradiation with ultraviolet B. Nat Immunol. advanced online publication:

Mast cells reduce inflammation: mammals

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