The role of phosphoinositides in mast cell signalling

The release of pre-formed mediators such as histamine from mast cells and basophils is an integral part of the normal immune response to infection by parasites. This exocytosis is also characteristic response in a number of disease states including asthma, which, due to their prevalence in western society are becoming of increasing clinical importance. In an effort to tackle this growing problem much work has gone into unlocking the mechanisms through which mast cells function in health and disease. To date we have learned a lot about the various proteins that regulate degranulation. However, our knowledge on the contribution of lipids to this process is less clear. This review will discuss the role of phospholipids, particularly the phosphoinositides (PIs) in the processes that regulate mast cell exocytosis.