Mast cells elicit protection against colorectal tumors by modulating the immune response during early tumorigenic steps

Mast cells (MC) alter the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), although their precise role remains poorly defined. Here we show that MC numbers vary in CRC patients, which directly impacts on lymphocytes population. Mouse-based mechanistic experiments reveal that an intricate MC-lymphocyte axis can either promote or inhibit the CRC development, as well as be pharmacologically explored. Therefore, MC activity can be modulated and inhibit the early steps of CRC development. Colon tumor mRNA profiles of AOM-exposed Kit-B6 and Kit-W/sh mice were generated by RNA sequencing using QIAseq Targeted RNAseq Mouse Immuno-Oncology panel and QIAseq Targeted RNA 96-Index I (#333117) in a in MiSeq Sequencing System (Illumina; Illumina MiSeq Reagent Kit v3 - 150 cycles, #15043894). Please note that the records have been updated with additional RNA-seq data from allographic tumor samples on Mar 23, 2023.