Mast Cell Modulation of B Cell Responses: An Under-Appreciated Partnership in Host Defence.

Mast cells are well known to be activated via cross-linking of immunoglobulins bound to surface receptors. They are also recognized as key initiators and regulators of both innate and adaptive immune responses against pathogens, especially in the skin and mucosal surfaces. Substantial attention has been given to the role of mast cells in regulating T cell function either directly or indirectly through actions on dendritic cells. In contrast, the ability of mast cells to modify B cell responses has been less explored. Several lines of evidence suggest that mast cells can greatly modify B cell generation and activities. Mast cells co-localise with B cells in many tissue settings and produce substantial amounts of cytokines, such as IL-6, with profound impacts on B cell development, class-switch recombination events, and subsequent antibody production. Mast cells have also been suggested to modulate the development and functions of regulatory B cells. In this review, we discuss the critical impacts of mast cells on B cells using information from both clinical and laboratory studies and consider the implications of these findings on the host response to infections.

Introduction

The ability of mast cells to aid in the initiation and regulation of acquired immune responses has been demonstrated by multiple authors (1–6). As key resident sentinel cells in the skin and at mucosal surfaces, capable of detecting pathogens and tissue damage, mast cells are often one of the first cell types to be activated on pathogen invasion, tissue damage, or infection. Initial responses to bacterial pathogens often result in the production of an NF-κB-dependent cytokine cascade that includes the production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as other cytokines and regulatory factors. The balance of mediators produced varies considerably depending on the tissue site and stimulus (2, 7–10). These can include immunomodulatory cytokines such as IL-10, as well as IL-1RA and a wide variety of potent chemokines which recruit appropriate effector cells. In response to several viral infections the production of chemokines, along with type 1 interferons (IFN) represent the predominant mast cell response and leads to the recruitment of NK cells and CD56+ T cells (11–20). Mast cells also respond to tissue damage via responses to alarmins, such as IL-33, subsequently giving rise to a further unique pattern of mediators including IL-13 and IL-5 (21–23). While degranulation is induced by certain stimuli, such as nematode parasites and select bacteria, mediator production often occurs in its absence. Lipid mediators are also selectively produced in response to many infections and contribute to cell recruitment and vascular changes. This highly regulated and co-ordinated mast cell response can aid in the mobilisation of dendritic cells that subsequently migrate to draining lymph nodes (2, 7, 24–27), the recruitment of effector cells, and the initiation of an optimal acquired immune response including the production of neutralising antibodies.

In many cases it has been assumed that the interaction of mast cells and B cells is important, but not co-ordinated at the tissue level. Mast cells promote the overall initiation of antibody responses and at the same time mast cells are guided and enhanced in their responses by IgE or IgG subclasses bound to Fc receptors on their surface. However, increasing evidence suggests that the relationship between mast cells and B cells is much deeper and more complex, providing potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention. In this review we have selected just some of these proven and potential interactions to highlight and illustrate the complexity and importance of the mast cell-B cell relationship.

Receptor-Ligand Interactions Between Mast Cells and B Cells

The potential and proven interactions between mast cells and B cells are complex and multifaceted. In considering these, it is important to distinguish between evidence obtained from human studies and those observed in rodent models. The use of mast cell lines without confirmation using primary mast cells in some studies also means that findings need to be interpreted with caution. Interactions between mast cells and B cells are summarised in , including the important cell contact-dependent and mediator-dependent interactions.

Figure 1

Major pathways of communication between mast cells and B cells. Evidence of cytokine and receptor-ligand interaction between mast cells and B cells has been depicted according to the following color scheme: red for evidence found in rodents, blue for evidence found in humans, and green for rodents and humans. Interaction between mast cells and B cells can occur at mucosal sites as well as at lymphoid and vascular tissues (although less frequently than at the mucosa). This is achieved by a broad array of cytokines (mainly type 2 cytokines, IL-10, IL-6, and IL-33), membrane-bound receptors and ligands (e.g., CD40/CD40L), and granule products such as histamine and proteases. These interactions can promote B cell proliferation, survival, class-switch to IgA or IgE, among other impacts. In addition, exosomes from both mast cells and B cells may be involved in communication between these cells. (Figure was prepared using BioRender).

CD40/CD40L

The CD40/CD40L interaction is pivotal to the regulation of antigen presentation, T cell-dependent class-switching, memory B cell development, and germinal centre formation (28). The early recognition that mast cells express CD40L suggested additional roles for mast cells in modifying B cell functions. This included the demonstration that mast cells can promote B cell class-switch to IgE production via a CD40/CD40L-dependent mechanism in the presence of IL-4 (29).

Signalling through CD40 was also shown to increase B cell proliferation by physical cellular contact (30). CD40L-expressing mast cells can enhance CD40/CD40L communication by promoting CD40-expression on B cells (30). Moreover, CD40L can be upregulated on mast cells through the actions of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells. iNKT cells recognise CD1d on the surface of murine mast cells and trigger the upregulation of CD40L, which can subsequently stimulate IgE class-switch by B cells to enhance allergic airways responses (31).

The CD40/CD40L-axis seems to play a role in local immunosuppression and immune tolerance, as it is implicated in the generation of IL-10 secreting B cells, as shown by Mion et al. (32). Indeed, the presence of mast cells enhances the development of B cells capable of producing IL-10 when appropriately stimulated, known as “IL-10 competent B cells”. Mast cells do not selectively enhance IL-10 production, on a per cell basis, but have a key role in enhancing expansion of regulatory B cell (Breg) subsets producing this anti-inflammatory mediator (32). Breg cell generation could be enhanced without direct cell contact, as exosomes from mast cells contain CD40L.

The ability of mast cells to enhance Breg development via a CD40-dependent mechanism also appears to be dependent on the anatomical site or other microenvironmental factors. In mice, the presence of mast cells does not enhance Breg differentiation in the spleen or peritoneal cavity but is important in the colon (32). This may be related to the presence of microbial factors in the intestine that are known to activate mast cells (33–35). This type of mast cell-B cell cross-talk may be more important in reducing local inflammatory responses at sites of microbial challenge and ensuring appropriate responses to damage or infection. In the context of allergic disease, mast cells and B cells have also been shown to co-localise in the airway epithelium of ovalbumin (OVA) challenged mice. Both CD40 and CD40L expression were upregulated in this setting possibly due to upregulation of Transglutaminase 2 triggered by antibody-antigen stimulation of mast cells (36). CD40 has also been shown to be expressed by airway epithelial cells (37), where it has been implicated in promoting T cell activation. These observations suggest that blockade of CD40/CD40L interactions in the allergic airways might have multiple consequences for local immune and inflammatory regulation. Notably, mast cells do not appear to have a key role in the development of mucosal tolerance, at least in adult animals (38).

OX40/OX40L

Human mast cells from several tissues including the airways express OX40L (39), and this has been shown to provide a mechanism whereby mast cells may promote T cell responses. As mentioned previously, Hong et al. (40) have demonstrated that mast cells and B cells co-localise in the lung epithelium of OVA-sensitised mice. Moreover, expression levels of OX40/OX40L and CD40/CD40L were elevated. Inhibition of these pathways decreases the levels of OVA-specific IgA and IgE and reduces antigen-dependent mediator-release by mast cells. This model shows how B cells are activated by mast cells through the CD40/CD40L pathway as well as the OX40/OX40L-axis, in the presence of appropriate cytokines such as IL-4, IL-13, IL-6, and TGF-β. These signal through the TRAF2-MEKK1 and TRAF60-TAK1 signalling pathways, respectively, to induce B cell class-switch into IgA and IgE secreting cells. Enhanced IgE could provide positive feedback by stimulation of FcϵRI in mast cells, which in turn would increase mediator production and release. In addition to these more direct interactions between mast cells and B cells through OX40-dependent mechanisms there are a host of impacts that may result from mast cell-T cell interactions through either cell-cell contact or exosomes. For example, it has been clearly demonstrated that mast cells can limit the actions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and promote Th17 production via an OX40/OX40L and IL-6-dependent mechanism (41).

CD30/CD30L

Mast cells can express both CD30 and CD30L. CD30 expression on mast cells is often associated with mastocytosis or chronic inflammation. In contrast, CD30L expression by mast cells is more consistently observed in a variety of tumours and tumour-draining lymph nodes (42). Molin et al. 74 demonstrated that human mast cells interact with Reed-Sternberg lymphoma cells through the CD30/CD30L axis in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, leading to an increase in proliferation of the latter. It has also been shown that CD30L-signalling induces mast cells to produce chemokines such as CXCL8 without evidence of degranulation or lipid mediator production (43). However, the ability of this interaction to induce chemokines that would induce B cell migration has not been directly examined. Only very specific subsets of B cells in the germinal centre and extrafollicular environment normally express CD30. Notably, the human CD30+ extrafollicular B cells are a subset of active memory B cells (44). It is plausible that mast cells also interact with these B cell populations to promote proliferation under some circumstances.

CD27 and CD52

Early mast cell progenitors have been described as CD27+ (45) and mast cells ex vivo have also been described to express CD70. This was particularly studied in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia, a form of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. In this setting, soluble CD27 produced by lymphoplasmacytic cells upregulated CD40L on mast cells (30). CD40/CD40L interactions can promote the proliferation of malignant cells and have therefore been implicated as a negative factor in disease progression. It is plausible that this mechanism may extend outside of malignancy, perhaps to a subset of antibody-producing cells.

Both mast cells and B cells express the 12-amino acid GPI linked peptide CD52 (46), which is thought to have a role in retaining cell mobility. CD52 can ligate with Siglec-10 found on mast cells in addition to sialic acid. However, the precise role of this interaction is unknown. Siglec-10-signalling via CD24 can reduce responses to DAMPs and inhibit responses to tissue injury in humans (47). This may provide a mechanism whereby local inhibition of inflammation may result from mast cell-B cell cross-talk. However, given the wide range of cell types expressing these molecules it may be a more general method to regulate immune responses in certain tissues.

Mast Cell Mediator Impacts on B Cells

In response to a variety of stimuli including pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or damage-associated patterns (DAMPs), mast cells selectively produce a subset of their wide array of potential mediators. These include preformed granule-associated products such as proteases and histamine, newly formed lipid mediators such as LTC4 and PGD2, and over 40 different cytokines and chemokines. The combinations, timing and range of such mediator production is dependent on the nature of the acute stimulation, the microenvironment, and the mast cell subpopulation. Many mast cell mediators can directly or indirectly modify B cell recruitment, function, or differentiation. The following section will outline mediators important in the setting of acute or chronic infection.

Histamine

Histamine is a biogenic amine released by mast cell granules during allergic reactions and in response to multiple other stimuli that induce mast cell degranulation such as tissue injury, and responses to certain pathogen products. The impact of histamine on immunity has been extensively studied as reviewed by Akdis and Blaser (48). In mice, deletion of H1R resulted in suppression of IFN-γ and enhanced secretion of the type 2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, with subsequent impacts on B cell responses (49). B cells express both H1 and H2 receptors that impact cellular functions. Early reports demonstrated that H1-signalling with IgM/antigen-stimulation enhanced splenic B cell proliferation (50). Kimata et al. (51) showed that B cells from healthy donors treated with anti-CD58 plus IL-4 or IL-13 enhanced IL-6 and IL-10 production when concurrently treated with histamine. This in turn, selectively increased IgE and IgG4 secretion. However, as reviewed by Merluzzi et al. (52) the impact of adding histamine in B cell culture systems has reportedly been variable, possibly due to its short half-life and the presence of histamine degrading enzymes.

H2 receptors on human cells including B cells are endogenously active, so while histamine can enhance their activity, important clues to their regulatory function can often be best obtained by using H2 antagonists or through studies of receptor-deficient cells or animals. Notably, the widely used H2 antagonists, ranitidine and famotidine have been shown to have some significant impacts on B cell activity. For example, ranitidine reduced tumor growth via a B cell-dependent mechanism in murine models of breast cancer (53). More recently, Meghnem et al. (54) showed that high dose ranitidine inhibited the number of circulating CD19+ B cells in 29 healthy human subjects. It is not known if chronic histamine stimulation in the context of allergic disease enhances such B cell populations.

Proteases

Mast cell proteases are released in large amounts from activated mature and immature mast cells, particularly during degranulation. They have a wide variety of important functions in aiding host defence and enhancing the function of numerous cytokines through protease-mediated activation during infection, especially at mucosal surfaces. These include TGF-β family members that play key roles in regulating B cell development and in promoting IgA class-switch essential for the appropriate immune protection of mucosal surfaces [reviewed in (55)] as well as impacts on the activity of other inflammatory cytokines such as IL-33 (56–58). Chymase enzymes from mast cells have also been shown to induce B cell secretion of IgG1 and IgE as shown by Yoshikawa et al. (59) using rat mast cell protease II, although the mechanism for this is unclear.

Tryptase production by mast cells can also influence local mediator production and the cellular microenvironment. Moreover, tryptase can activate several protease-activated receptors such as protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2). Xue et al. (60) showed that B cells constitutively express PAR2, with levels increasing in allergic rhinitis. After PAR-2 activation, signalling through Bcl2L12 leads to IL-10 transcription repression and reduced IL-10-expression by B cells from patients with allergic rhinitis. The fact that tryptase is an important activator of PAR2 adds to the important role of mast cells in an allergic setting and raises the possibility of reduced tolerogenic responses following mast cell degranulation through inhibition of IL-10 production by B cells. It remains to be discovered if this mechanism occurs in other tissue settings where mast cells and B cells co-localise such as the gut.

IL-6

Mast cells can be a rich source of IL-6 in response to certain infections. For example, when activated with high doses of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS), rodent mast cells have been reported to produce more IL-6 on a per cell basis than similarly treated macrophages. IL-6 has several roles in regulating B cell and plasma cell development and was originally described as a B cell differentiation factor. IL-6 is crucial for development of immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells and in some cases, class-switching. Merluzzi et al. (30) have shown that mast cells promote B cells differentiation into plasma cells with an IgA isotype through IL-6 secretion, which suggests that B cells can class-switch to IgA without T cell help. This process may be particularly important in the context of mucosal infections and host defence in airways. Another IL-6 family member, leukemia inhibitory factor, produced by mast cells (61), has been shown to selectively activate B1a cells in mice (62). It has also been suggested that in the presence of microbial stimulation IL-6 can promote the generation of Bregs (63). This adds to the complexity of the potential impact of mast cell IL-6 production following microbial breach of the epithelial barrier or mast cell contact with bacterial products.

Mast cells can also impact tissue remodelling events through IL-6. As described by Breitling et al. (64) in a murine pulmonary hypertension model, mast cells promoted vascular remodelling of the pulmonary artery of rats. A genetic analysis of lung samples from these rats revealed increased immunoglobulin gene products relative to controls, indicating a link between mast cells and immunoglobulin production. Upon further investigation, mast cell-derived IL-6 proved important. Pulmonary hypertension was improved by IL-6 inhibition, although increased mast cell density persisted when IL-6 was diminished. The depletion of B cells with anti-CD20 as well as the use of B cell-deficient mice also improved pulmonary hypertension. Along those lines, autoantibody levels as well as vascular remodeling decreased after oral ketotifen treatment, a mast cell stabiliser. Further information on mast cell/B cell communication will be crucial for devising novel strategies to treat pulmonary hypertension.

Interferons and B Cell Chemoattractants

Mast cells are not thought to be a significant source of type 2 IFNs (e.g., IFN-γ), although they can produce it under some circumstances (65). Mast cells are, however, an important source of type 1 IFNs following viral infection (11, 12, 18). The IFN response of human mast cells to viral infection can be enhanced by IL-4 (66) with potential to modify B cell activity. It has been demonstrated that type 1 IFN-signalling in B cells can lead to the loss of tolerance and the development of autoreactive B cells (67). Type 1 IFN responses by mast cells are only one of a number of possible routes by which they may enhance antibody generation in autoimmune disease, such as their enhancement of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (68). This role for IFNs is best studied in the context of systemic lupus but could potentially also enhance responses to environmental allergens at sites such as the nasal mucosa or intestine which are prone to viral infection.

Human mast cells are also an important source of type 3 IFNs such as IL-29 during select viral infections and upon activation by specific viral-associated products such as double stranded RNA. IFN-λ has been demonstrated to enhance the differentiation of naïve B cells into plasmablasts via the mTORC1 pathway (69). While the contribution of mast cells to this and other IFN-dependent modulation activities on B cells is likely small within classical draining lymph node sites, it may be of greater importance at sites of mast cell-B cell co-localisation and viral exposure, such as the nasal mucosa, intestinal lamina propria, or inflamed skin.

In environments with high levels of IFNs such as sites of viral infections, mast cells can produce large amounts of several lymphocyte chemoattractants (70). Indeed, mast cells can produce CXCL10 in the context of reovirus, dengue virus, influenza, and RSV infection (71). CXCL10 has B cell and T cell chemoattractant abilities in addition to multiple other impacts. CXCL13 is also recognised as a critical B cell chemoattractant and although not widely studied from mast cells has also been reported to be produced following reovirus infection of human cord blood-derived mast cells (13).

IL-33 and Type 2 Cytokines

Mast cells can be a significant source of type 2 cytokines that impact B cell development and function. For example, the production of IL-4 by mucosal mast cells in allergic rhinitis may enhance IgE class-switch by B cells, albeit to a lesser degree than IL-13 (72). Local microbial stimulation likely contributes to such mast cell activation at mucosal settings. IL-33, a member of the IL-1 receptor family, has also been reported to strongly influence B cells. IL-33 has been reported to induce activation of murine B1 cells through the ST2 receptor and drive the production of CCL2 and CCL3, chemokines involved in the trafficking of monocytes, macrophages, and other effector cells. Stimulation of B1 cells with IL-33 also generates the production of angiogenic factors such as VEGF and GM-CSF (73). IL-33 also stimulates IL-5 production and secretion in both mast cells and B cells, which leads to paracrine and autocrine stimulation through the IL-5 receptor to promote B cell proliferation, maintenance of Bregs, and antibody production (52). Overall, mast cells both produce IL-33 and respond to this alarmin through the production of similar mediators. Therefore, it possible that mast cell/B cell interaction at mucosal sites can perpetuate local inflammatory responses in specific settings through production of cytokines and angiogenic factors.

BAFF and APRIL

Mast cells not only influence B cells in terms of class-switching and differentiation but also produce soluble mediators from the TNF ligand family that enhance B cell survival and limit apoptosis. As shown by Wang et al. (74), among many cell types, mast cells produce B cell activating factor (BAFF) in the ectopic lymphoid tissue of nasal polyps. Increased BAFF production may promote B cell survival to potentially promote ectopic lymphoid tissue formation. In support of this, another related member of the TNF ligand family, A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL) along with B-Lymphocyte Stimulator factor (BLYS) can promote the survival of lymphoplasmacytic cells in Waldenström macroglobulinemia (75). Mast cells produced APRIL in response to CD70 stimulation through CD27 (75). The activities of these molecules, together with CD40/CD40L interactions support the importance of a range of TNF family members in mast cell/B cell interaction.

Exosomes

Mast cells may also modulate B cells through transfer of exosomes. Mast cell-derived exosomes can harbour multiple molecules highlighted herein (e.g., CD40 and CD40L) and others such as CD86, MHC II, LFA-1, and ICAM-1 (76). Exosome secretion may be dependent on IL-4 and mast cell maturity. Paradoxically, exosomes from mast cells have been shown to induce secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-12, skewing the immune response to type 1 cytokine polarisation. This indicates that mast cells can broadly shape immune responses (e.g., allergic reactions) including the intensity through their exosome contents. Despite strong evidence of exosome importance for modifying B and T cell activities in vitro (77–79), the role of mast cell exosomes has yet to be conclusively demonstrated in vivo, particularly in settings of infection.

Mast Cell/B Cell Interaction and Co-Localisation

Mast cells are resident tissue cells observed in high density at mucosal surfaces and in the skin. However, they are also found throughout the body, mainly in association with blood vessels. Mast cells are present in lymphoid tissue, but usually not as a major resident population. However, mast cell migration to inguinal lymph nodes has been reported in the context of early inflammatory responses (e.g., following UV exposure) (80–82). Mast cells are also found in close-proximity to B cells in tonsil and Peyer’s patches (81–83) (). At sites of ectopic lymphoid tissue development, such as in the airways during chronic allergic disease (84) and in the joints during rheumatoid arthritis (68, 85), mast cells and B cells are also found within the same microenvironment at high density, potentially as a result of the disease ().

Figure 2

Extensive mast cell/B cell co-localisation within lymphoid tissue. Multiplex immunostaining using Opal™ technology (Akoya Biosciences) identified CD20+CD79α+ B cells (green and cyan), tryptase+CD117+ mast cells (magenta and white), and CD20-CD3+ T cells (red) within formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded 5 µm-thick human tonsil sections. The 6-plex panel (including DAPI counterstaining) scans were acquired on the Mantra 2™ Quantitative Pathology Workstation using pre-defined parameters at 20x original magnification and spectrally unmixed using inForm® software (Akoya Biosciences). Representative image illustrating close-proximity between mast cells and B cells within tonsil architecture. Mast cells appear less in T cell dense areas.

Table 1

Sites of close-proximity between mast cells and B cells in multiple hosts.

Sites of close-proximity	Mast cell identifier(s)	B cell identifier(s)	Host	Citation(s)
Gut mucosa	Tryptase+	CD20+	Human	Merluzzi et al., 2010 (30)
Airway epithelia	CD117 (c-Kit)+	CD23+	Mouse	Hong et al., 2013 (36)
Lungs	Tryptase+	CD45RA+	Rat	Breitling et al., 2017 (64)
Inguinal lymph node	Toluidine blue+	CD19+	Mouse	Byrne et al., 2008 (80)
	Tryptase+	CD20+	Human	Merluzzi et al., 2010 (30)
Tonsil	CD117+	CD20+	Human	Rivellese et al., 2018 (68)
	Alcian blue+		Human	He and Xie 2005; He et al., 2005 (81, 82)
Ectopic lymphoid tissue	Tryptase+	CD19+	Human	Zhai et al., 2018 (84)
	CD117+	CD20+	Human	Rivellese et al., 2018 (68)

This co-localisation may be functionally important. Early studies demonstrated that mast cells could effectively promote B cell function and proliferation (86, 87). There is evidence for interaction between mast cells and B cells at the nasal mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis. Mast cells have been shown to induce IgE synthesis by purified tonsillar B cells in response to antigens without the need for exogenous IL-4 or IL-13. Mast cells in this context were reported to have enhanced expression of FcϵR1, CD40L, IL-4, and IL-13 (72). In vitro, Palm et al. (88) demonstrated in mice that degranulated (and to some extent resting) mast cells enhanced B cell activation including elevated expression of CD19, MHC II, CD86, and L-selectin. Such activated B cells also secreted greater amounts of IgG and IgM. In the intestine, a different impact of mast cell-B cell interaction has been suggested. Mast cells and B cells co-localise in the lamina propria of the intestine of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease and an association has been reported between the presence of mast cells and elevated IgA secretion (30). These authors also clearly demonstrated the presence of mast cells and B cells in human lymph nodes undergoing reactive hyperplasia. Mast cells were particularly localised surrounding follicles and in the paracortical and medullary regions of the lymph nodes, raising the possibility of interaction with recirculating naïve B cells and activated post germinal centre B cells. Using a co-culture of primary mast cells and B cells, the presence of mast cells promoted the survival and proliferation of B cells through an IL-6-dependent mechanism which also required cell-cell interactions such as CD40/CD40L (30). In contrast to these findings, it has also been suggested that mast cells within lymph nodes may have more suppressive immunomodulatory functions which limit B cell responses. For example, Chacon Salinas et al. (89) have demonstrated that the production of IL-10 by mast cells can indirectly disrupt germinal centre formation via impacts on T follicular helper cells. The production of IL-10 and IgA by B cells has also been implicated in reducing neuroinflammation (90) and inflammatory responses at mucosal surfaces (91). Thus, any impact of mast cells in modifying such responses could have critical downstream impacts on the mucosal immune environment.

Outside of secondary and ectopic lymphoid tissues there are other environments where mast cells and B cells may be concentrated. These include the previously mentioned lamina propria of the intestine as well as several tumour settings. Bone marrow studies in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia have shown an increased number of mast cells, where they are thought to contribute to tumour growth as well as angiogenesis, as shown by Ahn et al. (92). In addition to an increase in mast cell density, the proportion of CD40L+ mast cells correlated with poor tumour prognosis, illustrating the potential cross-talk between B cells (albeit abnormal ones) and mast cells through the CD40/CD40L axis. A similar link has been suggested in the setting of multiple myeloma as shown by Pappa et al. (93). Neoplastic B cells may also modify the activities of mast cells such as recruitment and activation. This is in addition to a multitude of less B cell specific interactions between mast cells and tumours that occur in tumour settings (94–97). For example, Fischer et al. (98) have shown that neoplastic cells from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma secrete CCL5 at sites of infiltration to recruit mast cells. Mast cells may also impact other aspects of the tumour microenvironment. For example, increased numbers of mast cells are found in nodular sclerosing forms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, associated with tissue fibrosis and the presence of IL-13 expressing Reed Sternberg cells. Moreover, mast cells were associated with greater disease progression and increased micro-vessel density in primary cutaneous B cell lymphomas and have potential as a prognostic marker (99).

Mast Cells and Chronic Infection

Parasite Infections

Mast cells have important roles in many globally important parasite infections, although their contribution differs with the infecting microorganism. Helminth gastrointestinal infections are associated with increased mast cell density and activation at the site of infection, which contributes to epithelial sloughing and increased motility (100–102). Mast cells may also contribute to tissue repair through impacts on fibroblast activation and tissue remodeling. Mast cell proteases are directly toxic to many helminths (103) and the granule product chondroitin-sulphate has also been reported to be active (104) in preventing nematode adhesion and penetration of the intestinal mucosa. Helminth infection-associated mast cell activation likely also modifies the responses of local B cells and plasma cells through mediator impacts, some of which are detailed below.

Mast cells participate in shaping type 2 immune responses to many nematodes through the release of IL-33, IL-25, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. As shown also by Hepworth et al. (100, 105, 106), mast cell-deficient mice had an impaired type 2 immune response against helminths. Enhanced type 2 immune responses could indirectly alter B cell responses and contribute to the high IgE levels observed in many such infections. In secondary infections, the presence of specific IgE may enhance local mast cell responses enabling more rapid infection clearance (100, 106).

Infections by Schistosoma mansoni, a parasite mainly found in Africa and South America, are known to induce polyclonal B cell responses. S. mansoni produces glycoproteins recognised by galectin-3 that induce strong antibody responses. In a chronic schistosomiasis murine model developed by Oliveira et al. (107), mast cell degranulation was suggested to be one of the drivers for IgA class-switch and subsequent antibody production by peritoneal B1 cells. This process was regulated by galectin-3. Even though these findings are not yet completely understood, they highlight complex interactions between mast cells and B cells in parasite infections.

It is important to stress that many mast cell effector functions in response to chronic or repeated infection require the presence of B cells and antibodies. This was formally demonstrated by Matsumoto et al. (108) using activation induced cytidine deaminase (AID)-deficient mice, which despite the presence of intact T and mast cell compartments demonstrated delayed elimination of Strongyloides venezuelensis. Enhanced expulsion was restored with the addition of IgG1 and IgE to AID-deficient mice indicating the importance of antibody production. Antibody enhanced expulsion was shown to be mediated by mast cells, which underscores the importance of mast cell stimulation through their Fcγ and Fcϵ receptors (108).

While the role of mast cells and B cells in helminth infections is well established, their role in protozoan infections is less clear. In infections by Plasmodium spp., mast cell-derived TNF-α was shown to be important for the clearance of infection and protection against cerebral involvement. However, mast cell degranulation, increased concentrations of histamine and higher levels of IgE against Plasmodium falciparum were associated with worse outcomes. Similarly, in the setting of cerebral malaria, mast cell degranulation involved histamine release, increased vascular permeability, enhanced endothelial damage, and lead to the release of VEGF, which associated with worse outcome (109).

In infections by Leishmania spp., the participation of mast cells seems to depend on the species of the parasite as a first line of defence, without a clear interaction with B cells. As shown by Naqvi et al. (110), mast cells can phagocytose L. tropica which causes cutaneous leishmaniasis but not L. donovani, which causes visceral leishmaniasis. Both species are susceptible to killing by extracellular traps created by mast cells, but L. tropica is more vulnerable. These observations highlight differential roles for mast cells depending on the type of leishmaniasis.

In Chagas disease, there have been descriptions of co-existence of mast cells and B cells in heart biopsies of patients with dilated myocardiopathy. The presence of mast cells in the heart and intestine has been associated with worse prognosis, possibly implying ongoing inflammation and fibrotic processes involving mast cells (111–113).

Viral Infections

Mast cells have been implicated in the host response to multiple viral infections. Multiple viral associated stimuli can induce the production of type I and III IFNs, chemokines, inflammatory cytokines as well as factors involved in tissue remodelling such as VEGF (11, 17, 70). Such interactions occur in the absence of B cells or antibody in many cases. For example, infections with reovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and influenza of human mast cells have been reported, leading to substantial mediator release (11, 13, 16, 114–116). These types of responses are often the result of signalling through RNA or DNA sensors such as TLR 3, 7, 8 or 9, RIG-I, MDA-5, and STING pathways (12, 117, 118). Mediators produced can include both B cell chemoattractants and cytokines which act on B cells, such as IL-6. However, antibody mediated events can also play a key role in these processes for some viruses.

Antibody-dependent enhancement occurs when sub-neutralising levels of antibody facilitate the entry of virus into the cell via Fc receptors. For mast cells this process has been described for Dengue virus infection, mediated by low concentrations of IgG via FcγRII (15, 119) where it can induce cytokine and chemokine production, and mast cell apoptosis (120). IL-1β and TNF-α which have been implicated in vascular damage and endothelial dysfunction (121) are also produced by infected human mast cells. Mast cell activation in this clinical context has been implicated in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome (122–124).

Antibody-dependent enhancement of infection of mast cells may also be a factor in response to subsequent infections with other viruses such as Zika virus (116) and has most recently been suggested as a factor in SARS-CoV-2 infection (125, 126). It likely also occurs for other viruses under specific circumstances where antibody is not sufficient for neutralisation.

Antibody-mediated processes in viral infections can also activate mast cells via Fc receptor cross-linking leading to degranulation, lipid mediator production, and subsequent longer-term cytokine and chemokine production. The nature of the responses is highly dependent on the class and subclass profile of antibodies produced in response to infection. In many cases the type 1 cytokine response to viruses does not support a strong specific IgE response, but given the long half-life of such antibodies on mast cells in sites such as the skin and airways there is potential for IgE mediated events to enhance events such as the mobilisation of dendritic cells (24, 26) leading to enhanced B and T cell responses in draining lymph nodes. During HIV infections, mast cells and their precursors may also harbour virus which can be reactivated through either TLR- or antibody/Fc receptor-pathways (114, 127, 128). Indirect processes such as complement product (C3a, C5a) mediated activation of mast cells may also occur in response to antibody complexes with viral products.

Atopy and Bacterial Infections

Mast cells and B cells are both important players in effective responses against bacterial pathogens. Mast cells function as critical sentinel cells during the early stages of infection and promote the recruitment of effector cells to sites of infection. On the other hand, the B cell mediated antibody response is key to combatting longer-term and secondary infections. Interplay between these cell types can therefore generally be seen as positive for anti-bacterial host defence. However, this is not always the case. The skin of individuals with atopic dermatitis is frequently colonised by Staphylococcus aureus. This suggests that S. aureus may contribute to the pathophysiological events that culminates in atopic dermatitis. Interestingly, mast cells and B cells may partner in driving this disease. A report using an atopic dermatitis mouse model showed that mast cell-deficient mice inoculated with wild-type S. aureus and challenged with ovalbumin had reduced skin disease and serum IgE than wild-type mice. Mast cell contribution may be through their degranulation products, as skin-derived murine mast cells degranulate in response to S. aureus-derived δ-toxin, which is enhanced if mast cells are first primed with B cell-derived IgE (129). Other Gram-positive bacterial-derived products promote mast cell production of type 2 cytokines known to induce atopic dermatitis features such as IL-13, as well as proinflammatory TNF-α and IL-6. Patients with atopic dermatitis have increased blood IgE production signatures in blood and higher frequency of blood and lesional B cells compared to control groups (130) but the precise contribution of mast cells to this response is unknown.

In related studies considering superantigens as triggers for atopic disease, Schlievert et al. (131) analysed the response of keratinocytes to bacterial superantigens and found an enhanced production of chemokines and cytokines. Among them, IL-33 was notably increased. Mast cells can also respond to IL-33 producing a number of type 2 cytokines which could promote class-switch to IgE and antibody generation. Taken together, these studies indicate an interplay between staphylococci colonisation, superantigen stimulation, mast cell stimulation and therefore B cell stimulation, and production of IgE which in turn could produce a positive feedback on mast cell degranulation.

Hypersensitivity and Fungal Infections

Interaction between B cell and mast cells could also be an influencing factor in immunity and inflammation in response to several fungal infections. Histamine release from mast cells is a frequent feature of cutaneous and mucosal fungal infections. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) has been mainly reported in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis where the production of IgE towards Aspergillus spp. spores by B cells leads to the activation of mast cells (132). A. fumigatus antigen Af1 is presented through MHC II to Th2 lymphocytes (132) eliciting production of IL-4 and IL-13. This type 2 cytokine rich environment promotes class-switch to IgE. As with other pathogens, IgE bound to mast cells can mediate mast cell activation to Aspergillus spp. antigens in secondary or chronic infections (133). It is also worth noting that Aspergillus spp. can induce mast cell degranulation independently of IgE in rodents, without causing any damage to the hyphae (134) but more damage to the airway mucosa.

While the fungus itself produces damage in the airway epithelium, the release of mast cell proteases and the recruitment of eosinophils contribute substantially to remodelling of the airway in response to such infection (135). Eosinophils release their toxic granular proteins while mast cells release tryptase and both of them activate and promote the production of TGF-β. This cytokine induces bronchial fibroblasts to differentiate to myofibroblasts that directly induce in the remodelling of the airway wall (135). Further corroborating the involvement of mast cells driven by IgE in ABPA, treatment with omalizumab (a monoclonal antibody targeting the high-affinity receptor binding site on human IgE and thereby reducing mast cell sensitisation) has been shown to be effective for patients with severe allergic asthma and ABPA (136).

Cross-talk between mast cells and B cells has also been shown to be important in Malassezia spp. infections. Malassezia spp. are a group of opportunistic fungi that grow mainly in skin areas with abundant sebaceous glands. They have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and pityriasis versicolor (133). Selander et al. have shown, using a rodent model, that Malassezia sympodialis can activate both non-sensitised and IgE-sensitised mast cells (137). While IgE-sensitised mast cells degranulate, release cysteinyl leukotrienes, cytokines and chemokines when stimulated with extracts of M. sympodialis, non-sensitised mast cells selectively release leukotrienes without degranulation (137). This activation is induced through the TLR2/Myd88 and MAPK pathway. Although the in vivo impact of such responses is not well studied, cysteinyl leukotrienes can act through Cys LT1 receptors on B cells to enhance immunoglobulin production in vitro (138). Taken together, these findings support the idea of a mast cell response to Malassezia spp. enhanced by IgE produced by B cells in atopic dermatitis. This would be expected to both promote local inflammation and effector cell recruitment and potentially enhance the development and maintenance of an acquired immune response to infection through impacts on dendritic cells and draining lymph nodes.

Some similar mast cell responses have also been observed in response to Candida albicans. Mast cells can respond directly to this pathogen through both TLR and dectin-1 mediated pathways, giving rise to both lipid mediator and cytokine responses, often without degranulation. These responses may promote the generation of acquired immunity. A link has also been established between Candida spp. colonisation of the skin and exacerbation of atopic dermatitis (139, 140). As shown by various reports (139, 140), Candida spp. can induce IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation and subsequent responses in humans who have been previously sensitised and both promote inflammation and exacerbate histaminergic symptoms of patients. Taken together, these findings suggest a dual role of mast cells in the interaction with Candida spp.: they act as sentinels and first line of defence, but their mediators can become detrimental for the host and perpetuate inflammation.

Conclusion

This short description of some of the most crucial known and potential interactions between B cells and mast cells raises many questions. Mast cells are tissue resident cells, often in limited numbers in lymph nodes. However, they are more prominent in tissues such as the tonsils and Peyer’s patches where they are in close-proximity to B cells as they are in the respiratory and intestinal mucosa. Traditionally, B cells in the skin have often been overlooked but both B1 and B2 cells are present and B cell populations in these sites are increased during inflammation. It is in the skin and other mucosal tissues where mast cells play the most important role as sentinel cells against infection; it is also in these sites where interaction between mast cells and B cells might be most critical to local infection and inflammation regulation. Given the key role of mast cells in promoting the selective recruitment and activation of other effector cells, it seems likely that mast cells play an early role in B cell responses. However, the complex interactions between mast cells and B cells persist longer-term. Current data suggests a number of mechanisms whereby mast cells can support or limit Breg development. Most of these can occur without direct cell contact. Similarly, the production of antibodies and cytokines such as IL-10 by the B cell lineage can dramatically alter mast cell function and provide a long-term mechanism for heightened responses to secondary infection. There is a wide menu of potential mechanisms whereby mast cells can modify B cell populations and function. Each tissue site and pathogen response will likely access only a subset of such mechanisms. Understanding and modifying these mast cell-dependent pathways shows promise for enhancing responses in chronic infection, limiting the development of autoreactive B cells and combating local immune suppression in some tumour settings. Critical to this process is direct analysis of the nature and function of local resident B cell populations and their resident mast cell neighbors in normal tissues and sites of disease.

Author Contributions

AMP contributed the literature search, evaluation of material, and a substantial portion of the written manuscript. MRH contributed , evaluation of key sections of literature scientific insights and review. AMP contributed and MRH contributed . JSM provided substantial writing and editing of the manuscript and conceptualization of the review. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Funding

This work was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR grant number PJT-173350). MH is the recipient of a Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute trainee award. AP is funded through an investigator award from the IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.