You might owe your mother more than you think.

Abstract

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated activation of mast cells (MC) has been historically linked to allergic reactions. Nevertheless, antibody-dependent MC degranulation can also be triggered by venoms from insects or reptiles. Of note, MC mediators provide efficient protection against the toxic compounds of venoms. Interestingly, antigen-specific (s) IgE-dependent MC activation could occur in newborns who are not able yet to mount functional antibody responses. In a recent article, Msallam et al. investigated the interactions among fetal MC, maternal sIgE, and fetal immune responses in mice and humans. Mouse fetal MC acquire a semi-mature phenotype according to their FcεRI and heparin expression levels, and increase in number during early development stages.