Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGIDs) and Mast Cells Overview Mast cells and eosinophils are key players in the immune system, helping the body respond to allergens and infections. In Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGIDs), these cells can become overactive, releasing inflammatory mediators that trigger symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and food intolerance. Understanding how mast cells interact with eosinophils is essential for improving diagnosis, uncovering disease mechanisms, and developing targeted treatments for people living with EGIDs. Watch the Recording: Eosinophils, Mast Cells, and EGIDs Presented by: Joshua B. Wechsler, MD, MSCI, Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Paediatrics (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition), Medicine (Allergy and Immunology) Help us develop more resources like this Discover how eosinophils and mast cells drive EGIDs and related type 2 inflammatory disorders. Key Questions Covered in the Video: Why are mast cells ignored? Standardised approach to quantifying mast cells Mast cells increase and relationships to abnormalities in EoE and other EGIDs How do mast cells change with treatment in EGIDs? Persistent elevation of mast cells and mast cell density despite low eosinophils in EoE Differential increase in mast cells in response to EoE trigger reintroduction Limited studies on mast cell changes with treatment in non-EoE EGIDs Are mast cells activated in EGIDs? Degranulation of mast cells as a core mechanism of activation Assessment of mast cell activation by Flow Activated mast cells’ correlation with the severity of oedema/furrows and basal zone hyperplasia Correlation of mature tryptase in the serum of EoE patients with eosinophilic and basal zone hyperplasia Increased activated mast cells in Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EoG) Mast cell types in EoE patients Molecules released by activated mast cells: oncostatin M and the epithelial barrier Other proteins released by an activated mast cell: tryptase, chymase, histamine and CP3 Potential role of CP3 in barrier dysfunction Mast cells as a source of IL-13, which contributes to mucosal barrier disruption Mast cells' interaction with sensory neurons TGF-Beta production by oesophageal mast cells Inhibition of mast cell activation: disodium chromoglycate and Omeprazole Emerging drugs that target mast cells Summary Further Resources and Support Discovering Mast Cells' Role in Eosinophilic Oesophagitis with Machine Learning Insights from EoE Genetic Research by Molly Shook The Evolving Understanding of Eosinophilic-Associated Type 2 Inflammatory Diseases New Screening Tool to Enhance Diagnosis and Management of T2 Inflammation Disorders Eosinophilic Diseases Research: Past, Present and Future This resource was developed with support from the National Lottery Community Fund. Manage Cookie Preferences