The evolution of mast cells across all vertebrate classes: the mystery continues

The paper examines what the mast cell—a cell that arose in urochordates and reached humans with the same morphological profile—is used for. Activated mast cells contribute to the regulation of the local immune response and major inflammation and healing processes with the help of a broad range of mediators. Located primarily at the interface between the host and the external environment, mast cells are widely distributed. The local microenvironment directly affects mast cell development, phenotype, and function, which in turn affects the cells' capacity to identify and react to different stimuli by releasing a variety of physiologically active mediators. By interacting with a range of other cells involved in physiological and immunological responses, mast cells can react to changes in their surroundings and serve as first responders in dangerous situations. Consequently, the mast cell’s crucial function in innate and adaptive immunity, including immunological tolerance, has come to light more frequently. On the other hand, mast cell malfunction has identified these cells as the primary culprits in a number of autoimmune illnesses, cancer, and chronic allergic/inflammatory conditions.