The crucial role of mast cells in blood-brain barrier alterations

Mast cells are critical regulators of the pathogenesis of the central nervous system diseases, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury, and brain tumors. Here, we have summarized the literature data concerning the involvement of mast cells in blood-brain barrier alterations, and we have suggested a possible role of angiogenic mediators stored in mast cell granules in the vasoproliferative reactions occurring in these pathological conditions. It is conceivable to hypothesize that mast cells might be regarded in a future perspective as a new target for the adjuvant treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors through the selective inhibition of angiogenesis, tissue remodeling and tumor-promoting molecules, favoring the secretion of cytotoxic cytokines and preventing mast cell-mediated immune suppression.