While these data are in agreement with older studies that employed Kit-mutant mice as models for mast cell deficiency in S. ratti[38] and S. venezuelensis[48] infection, it was identified a key role for mast cells in protection against intestinal nematode infection, given that several suggested roles for mast cells have not been confirmed in Kit-independent mast cell deficient mice [61], [63], [64], [65]. The gene discussed is KIT; the disease is infection.