Figure 6. Summary of mast cell and C. albicans interaction.
Our findings indicate that mast cells specifically respond to C. albicans by degranulation, secretion of cytokines and chemokines, internalization of C. albicans and the release of MCETs. Interestingly, the processes seem to be organised and thus can be divided into three time periods: Initial (up to 3 h), intermediate (3 h to 12 h), and late responses (>12 h).