Abstract

n the last years there has been a growing number of reports concerning the role of mast cells in host defense against bacteria. The mast cell membrane is replete with many receptors/molecules, including those that promote the recognition and binding of bacteria. Mast cells exhibit two basic mechanisms of microbial recognition: opsonin-dependent (via Fc and C3 receptors) and opsonin-independent (via integrins, CD48 molecule and Toll-like receptors). Moreover, mast cells phagocytose and kill adherent bacteria. Phagocytosis of bacteria results in the presentation of bacterial antigens for MHC class I to T cells

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