Mastocytosis (International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, Vol 127, No. 2,2002)

Since their discovery by Paul Ehrlich and their delineation as distinct hematopoietic cells, mast cells have become an ever-important subject of biomedical research. Apart from their wellknown functions in allergic diseases, mast cells can also undergo neoplastic transformation. Intriguing examples are aggressive mastocytosis and mast cell leukemia. Historically, however, mastocytosis was first described in 1869 as a benign disease confined to the skin, and it was not until 1949 that a systemic form of mastocytosis was reported in an autopsy case. During the last few decades it was found that systemic mastocytosis can show an indolent, aggressive or even leukemic clinical course. More recently, a number of cell-specific and/or disease-related markers have been identified. Among them are lineage-associated transcription factors, growth factor receptors, disease-specific mutations and surface marker antigens. In addition, a number of prognostic markers have been proposed and are currently tested in prospective clinical trials. This collection of reviews gives a state-of-the-art overview of the most recent developments in mastocytosis research and specific clinical and pathophysiological aspects of mast cells. It will be a useful reference for investigators in the field, hematologists and clinical immunologists.Valent, Peter is the author of 'Mastocytosis (International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, Vol 127, No. 2,2002)' with ISBN 9783805574129 and ISBN 3805574126.