The dark side of mast cells and their role in oral pathology

Abstract

Mast cells (MC) were discovered over 130 years ago, and their function was almost exclusively related to allergic diseases. It is now well known that MC possesses a wide variety of roles in both physiological and pathological conditions. These cells play a key role in inflammatory processes in the oral sphere (dental pulp, periapical tissue and gums). In oral tissues, MC release various proinflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factor-alpha that promote leukocyte infiltration in various inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity. The number of mast cells has been found to be altered in various premalignant and malignant conditions developed in the oral sphere. The present review aims to describe the role of mast cells in the initiation and progression of inflammatory processes, but also in premalignant and malignant lesions of the oral cavity.