Role of Zinc Signaling in the Regulation of Mast Cell-, Basophil-, and T Cell-Mediated Allergic Responses

Figure 2

Metallothionein control in FcεRΙ-mediated IL-4 production in basophils. FcεRΙ stimulation activates basophils via signaling pathways that increase IL-4 production. Before stimulation, cytoplasmic free zinc ion inhibits CN. After FcεRΙ stimulation, cytoplasmic free zinc ion can induce the expression of metallothionein 1/2 and metallothioneins can bind to cytoplasmic free zinc ion. As a result, CN/NFAT signaling pathway can be activated and leads to increased IL-4 expression. IgE: immunoglobulin E; FcεRΙ: high-affinity receptor for IgE; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; Zn: zinc; MT-1/2: metallothionein 1/2; Ca: calcium; CN: calcineurin; NFAT: nuclear factor of activated T cells; IL-4: interleukin-4.