Mast cell CRAC channel as a novel therapeutic target in allergy.

Purpose Of Review: This review describes recent advances in our understanding of a major Ca-entry pathway, the Ca release-activated Ca (CRAC) channel, that is central to mast cell activation.

Recent Findings: Animals in which the genes encoding the CRAC channel have been deleted have severely compromised mast cell function and reduced allergic responses. These functional consequences reflect the ability of CRAC channels to activate a range of spatially and temporally distinct responses in mast cells, which contribute to both rapid and slow phases of an allergic response.