Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: The Interplay between Immunity and Neuroinflammation

Presented by: Tania Dempsey, MD

This session will discuss the role of mast cells and how they are an important component of the innate immune system. Emerging research supports the role of mast cells in the adaptive immune system as well. Mast cells are both sensors and effectors in communication among nervous, vascular, and immune systems. They interact bi-directionally with the nervous system. They are found on the brain side of blood vessels adjacent to astrocytes and microglia and are involved in crosstalk with the various components of the nervous system while also maintaining their role in the immune system. Autoimmunity and Neuroinflammation are two major consequences of aberrant mast cell activity.

In this session, participants will gain an understanding of how mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) promotes an autoimmune or autoimmune-like response and ultimately neuroinflammation in patients presenting with neuropsychiatric illness.

This presentation was recorded at the 2022 Integrative Healthcare Symposium Annual Conference.