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Mast cells can enhance resistance to snake and honeybee venoms SCIENCE Metz, M., Piliponsky, A. M., Chen, C., Lammel, V., Abrink, M., Pejler, G., Tsai, M., Galli, S. J. 2006; 313 (5786): 526-530

Abstract

Snake or honeybee envenomation can cause substantial morbidity and mortality, and it has been proposed that the activation of mast cells by snake or insect venoms can contribute to these effects. We show, in contrast, that mast cells can significantly reduce snake-venom-induced pathology in mice, at least in part by releasing carboxypeptidase A and possibly other proteases, which can degrade venom components. Mast cells also significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality induced by honeybee venom. These findings identify a new biological function for mast cells in enhancing resistance to the morbidity and mortality induced by animal venoms.

View details for DOI 10.1126/science.1128877

View details for Web of Science ID 000239308600064

View details for PubMedID 16873664