Research Introduction
Mast cells are crucial effector cells for the initiation of immediate hypersensitivity and also play critical roles in innate and acquired immunity. We have been studying mast cell signal transduction activated by cross-linking of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FceRI). In addition to signal transduction, we have been interested in IgE-dependent mast cell biology. In this regard our recent study has demonstrated that IgE binding to FceRI without deliberate incubation with antigen renders mast cells resistant to growth factor depletion-induced apoptosis. Substantial progress in the following areas has been made for the past few years.