Mast cell-derived extracellular vesicles in lung diseases: roles in pulmonary inflammation, immune regulation, and microenvironmental remodeling.

OBJECTIVE

This review summarizes the biological characteristics of mast cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their roles in lung diseases involving mast cell activation and immune dysregulation, focusing on asthma, neonatal lung injury, and lung adenocarcinoma.

MATERIAL: Published studies involving mast cell lines, animal models, and patient-derived biospecimens on mast cell-derived EVs in pulmonary inflammation were summarized.

TREATMENT: Not applicable.

METHODS

We synthesized evidence on EV biogenesis, cargo composition, target-cell interactions, immunomodulatory functions, and disease-specific roles.

RESULTS

Mast cells are key effector cells in pulmonary inflammation whose functions extend beyond classical degranulation. They communicate with epithelial, stromal, and immune cells via EVs carrying proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and microRNAs. These vesicles modify recipient-cell function and mediate inflammatory amplification, epithelial injury, airway remodeling, and immune-cell activation. Mast cell-derived EVs exert disease- and context-dependent effects by regulating epithelial-immune crosstalk, type 2 inflammation, tissue remodeling, and tumor microenvironmental interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Mast cell-derived EVs are key mediators of intercellular communication in pulmonary inflammation. However, most evidence comes from cell and animal models, and the clinical relevance of specific EV cargoes remains unclear. Further studies are needed to clarify their disease-specific mechanisms and evaluate their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.