Adaptors discriminate mast-cell cytokine production from eicosanoid production and degranulation

The FcεRI-dependent activation of nuclear factor (NF)κB is key for mast-cell cytokine production. The CARMA1–Bcl10–Malt1 adaptor complex regulates NFκB activation by antigen receptors in lymphocytes. A recent study reveals that the Bcl10–Malt1 complex promotes mast-cell interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor production, independent of degranulation, eicosanoid secretion or survival. The new findings place this complex at the forefront in discriminating between signals required for cytokine production and those required for mast-cell degranulation and eicosanoid production.