Signal transduction in the activation of mast cells and basophils

Mast cells are gaining recognition as participants in may inflammatory responses in addition to their well-documented role in anaphylaxis. However, the biochemical pathways underlying the ability of extracellular stimuli to activate intracellular events still require resolution. This report, from a recent workshop¹ 1 The 2nd International Workshop on 'Signal Transduction in the Activation and Development of Mast Cells and Basophils' was held at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA, on 20-23 February 1995., summarizes some of the advances in this field.