Figure 2

Proposed interaction between FcεRI and C3aR leading to mast cell activation. Allergen cross-links FcεRI on mast cells to induce degranulation. Allergen can also activate complement pathway (see Fig. 1) to generate C3a, which in turn activates its cognate G protein coupled receptors on mast cells to induce degranulation. Mast cell proteases also activates complement cascade to generate C3a. This C3a may serve to amplify mast cell mediator release.