Interleukin-1 family cytokines and mast cells: activation and inhibition.

This editorial focuses on recent progress reports on mast cells (MCs) and IL-1-family cytokines in the dynamics of inflammation. MCs are cells of haematopoietic derivation that mature and reside in almost all vascularized tissues. MCs are a potential source of cytokines and chemokines which participate in allergic reactions and inflammation. Activated MCs secrete a number of compounds including pro inflammatory cytokines. MCs can be activated by IgE through its receptor FceRI, but also by Toll like receptors. They can be a target for both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. 1L-1 activates MCs to release inflammatory chemical mediators, and cytokines/chemokines, an effect which can be potentially inhibited by IL-37. In addition, IL-36 is also a powerfull cytokine with a pro inflammatory activity. IL-38 binds IL-36R and inhibits the pro-inflammatory activity of IL-36, thus performing a therapeutic action. Here, in this article we review the role of MCs in relation to pro inflammatory and anti-inflammatory IL-1 family member cytokines and a possible therapeutic effect in inflammatory disorders.