Frank Austin

As our understanding of allergies and immediate hypersensitivity increased, it became apparent that mast cell products were very complex. Dr. Frank Austin has played a prominent role in increasing our understanding of the mechanisms involved in allergy and anaphylaxis by analyzing these products. Dr. Austin's efforts have focused on the contents of the mast cell granules and especially their rich content of proteases. These enzymes contribute significantly to the local inflammatory response seen in type I hypersensitivity. Their discovery has explained many puzzling features of these diseases.