Mast cells play a pivotal role in the host defence against pathogens.

<p>Pathogen recognition by host receptors leads to mast cell activation and both direct and indirect antimicrobial responses. Abbreviations: AMP, antimicrobial peptide; CCL20, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20; CR, complement receptor; DC, dendritic cell; FcR, Fc receptor; GPI, glycosylphosphatidylinositol; Ig, immunoglobulin; IL-8, interleukin-8; IP10, interferon gamma-induced protein 10; LTC4, leukotriene C4; NK cell, natural killer cell; NOD, nucleotide oligomerisation domain like receptor; ROS, reactive oxygen species; TLR, toll-like receptor; TNF-α, tumour necrosis factor-alpha.