Mast cell-deficient mice Mcpt5Cre/Dicer fl/fl redefine the role of mast cells in experimental bullous pemphigoid.

MCs do not play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of passive IgG-transfer mediated BP model. Their increase in number may be a bystander effect following tissue injury. We therefore suggest caution regarding the selection of MCs as sole targets for the development of novel drugs for BP.