Figure 1

The allergen interacts with IgE on the surface of human mast cells, and mediates signaling via the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεR1). FcεR1 aggregation is followed by mast cell activation and degranulation. Mast cells release a plethora of mediators which can then regulate eosinophil activation, Th2 skewing and B cell class switching to IgE. This sequence of events ultimatelyresults in a number of immunologic and inflammatory responses.