Gunnar Pejler

The role of mast cells in inflammatory disease

Mast cells are recognized as key effector cells in various types of disease, including allergy, autoimmune disease and cancer. In addition, mast cells have important functions in the defense towards pathogens such as bacteria and parasites. Activation of mast cells results in the release of several powerful inflammatory mediators, e.g. histamine, cytokines, For more detailed information of Gunnar Pejler research click here. proteoglycans and various serine proteases. The biological function of the mast cell proteoglycans and serine proteases is largely unknown, although their high abundance at sites of mast cell activation suggests an important role in the inflammatory response. 

The aim of the project is to gain further insight into the physiological role of mast cell proteoglycans and proteases. We believe that increased knowledge of the biology of these compounds may lead to improved management of mast cell-dependent disease. For more detailed information of Gunnar Pejler research click here.