Human mast cells stimulate fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis and lattice contraction: a direct role for mast cells in skin fibrosis

Abstract

We have shown that human mast cells, by granule-stored and therefore quickly releasable mediators, increase human skin fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, TIMP-2 and collagen gel contraction. Therefore, mast cells have a direct and potentiating role in skin remodelling and fibrosis.