Editorial: Mast cells in health, disease and forensic practice: a mystery not yet revealed

Ehrlich, identified mast cells (MCs) based on the metachromatic staining of their cytoplasmic granules in connective tissue. MCs are best known for their effector functions in allergic disorders. In recent years, however, MCs have been identified to be involved in a complex range of immune functions that go far beyond allergies and include the development of autoimmune disorders and peripheral tolerance other than the initiation and maintenance of adaptive and innate host responses. In addition, MCs are critical in numerous physiological and pathophysiological responses including cancer. It should also be added that the localization of these cells assumes importance in the forensic field, in particular in the aspects related to the recognition of the viability of the lesion. Therefore, understanding the significance of MCs and molecular mechanisms of immune and signaling events involving these cells can be of valuable help for therapeutic solutions to a variety of medical problems. This editorial summarizes the contributions to the Frontiers Research Topic “Mast cells in health, disease and forensic practice: a mystery not yet revealed” appearing in Frontiers in Medicine section Translational Medicine.