The mast cell receptor MrgprB2 contributes to the neuroimmune mechanisms underlying migraine 2699

Abstract Description As one of the key effector cells in the inflammatory process, mast cells have essential functions in allergies and fighting infections. More recently, mast cells have been shown as important links between the nervous and immune systems. Mast cells can be found in close proximity to peripheral nerve endings and, due to their significant spatial advantages over other immune cells, are one of the first to respond to sensory nerve activation. We recently showed that mast cell specific receptors, MrgprB2 and its human homologue MRGPRX2, are involved in neurogenic inflammation and pain. Here, we demonstrate, that the mast cell receptor MrgprB2/X2 is expressed in the meninges and its activation leads to migraine-like pain behavior. We also show that the migraine-causing neuropeptide PACAP1-38 activates MrgprB2, leading to migraine-like pain. Similarly, PACAP1-38 activates mouse meningeal mast cells that express the human MRGPRX2 receptor. Our results indicate that MrgprB2/X2+ mast cells contribute to PACAP-induced migraine-like pain. Funding Sources This study was also conducted with support from NINDS R01 NS131507 and, in part, a Clinical and Translational Science Award NRSA (TL1) Training Core (TL1TR001440) from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health. Topic Categories Neuroimmunology (NEUR)