Clinical Advances in Anaphylaxis and Mast Cell Disorders

Dear Colleagues,

Mast cells (MCs) are multifunctional, granulated, stationary cells that reside in almost all vascularized tissues. Upon activation, MCs degranulate and release a large array of mediators. Inappropriate release of these mediators may occur in a number of pathologic conditions and can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe to life-threatening.

Evidence in the recent literature suggests that mast cell activation disorders have a broad spectrum of presentation and may have clonal or non-clonal etiologies. When mediator release is excessive and involves ≥2 organ systems, anaphylaxis may occur. Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is another special variant of systemic MC activation, characterized by severe, recurrent, and episodic symptoms caused by abrupt MC mediator release. Patients with MCAS often present with symptoms of anaphylaxis. Furthermore, mastocytosis is a clonal disorder of MCs and may often present with anaphylaxis and MCAS. However, in some cases, even proliferative and accumulative features of MCs in mastocytosis can account for the symptoms and progression of this disease. In addition, a newly identified genetic trait, hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, may influence susceptibility to severe anaphylaxis.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive overview of the advances in the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis and mast cell disorders. Therefore, we invite you to contribute original research articles, review articles, or shorter perspective articles focused on the latest developments in this intriguing field.

Dr. Theo Gülen
Guest Editor

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