Publications by authors named "Natalie J Hicks"

Mast cells are leukocytes that mediate various aspects of immunity and drive allergic hypersensitivity pathologies. Mast cells differentiate from hematopoietic progenitor cells in a manner that is largely IL-3 dependent. However, molecular mechanisms, including the signaling pathways that control this process, have yet to be thoroughly investigated.

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Mast cells are immune sentinels and a driving force in both normal and pathological contexts of inflammation, with a prominent role in allergic hypersensitivities. Crosslinking of FcεRI by allergen-bound IgE Abs leads to mast cell degranulation, resulting in an early-phase response and release of newly synthesized pro-inflammatory mediators in the late-phase. The MAPK and NF-κB pathways are established as critical intracellular mechanisms directing mast cell-induced inflammation.

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