Rearch progress on the relationship between mast cells and cancer

Mast cells are immune cells that reside in virtually all vascularized tissues, and they are best known for their pivotal functions during anaphylaxis and acute IgE-associated allergic reactions.However, numerous studies have showed that mast cells are also involved in a wide variety of disease initiation and progression.There has been particular interest in the possible roles of mast cells in tumor biology.On the aspect of pro-cancer mechanism, mast cell have a positive influence on tumor-induced angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, the aspect of anti-cancer mechanism, mast cell exert a negative effect on tumorigenesis through immune responses.Therefore, the actual contributions of mast cells to tumor biology remain controversial.Here, we review some basic features of mast cell biology with special roles both in promotion and inhibition of tumor growth. Key words: Mast cell; Cancer; Angiogenesis