The immunobiology of eosinophils

Article Abstract:

Eosinophils are an important class of granular leukocytes, a type of white blood cell. Somewhat surprisingly, despite the advances of modern cell biology, eosinophils are still defined on the basis of a classical criterion, namely that the granules in the cytoplasm of eosinophils bind eosin and other acid aniline dyes. It may also be surprising to consider that, although eosinophils are generally considered a blood cell, many hundreds of times more eosinophils are found in the body's tissues than in the blood itself. Like the closely related neutrophils, eosinophils are phagocytes, that is, cells which can eat other cells such as invading bacteria. However, although eosinophils can gulp down bacteria under laboratory conditions, this is apparently not their primary job within the body. Eosinophils appear to be charged with the responsibility of attacking invaders which are enormous by blood cell standards, foreigners such as parasitic worms. Such invaders, too large to be engulfed, are attacked by eosinophils, which secrete large amounts of toxic substances. The larvae of helminthic worms seem to be particularly susceptible to the poison attack of the eosinophil. Eosinophils also play a role in the mediation of inflammation; the destruction of eosinophils within inflamed tissue may actually contribute to tissue damage in the affected area. Thus, eosinophils may provide benefit or harm depending on the details of a particular immune response. The author provides a detailed review of the current state of knowledge about these important cells of the immune defenses. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Granulocytes, Leukocytes, White blood cells

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New concepts about the mast cell

Article Abstract:

Mast cells are known to initiate allergic responses, but more recent studies have highlighted their role in biological activities ranging from wound healing and bone remodeling to inflammatory bowel disease. Both mast cells and cells called basophils originate in the bone marrow and mediate allergic reactions. Following exposure to such things as insect venom, food and drugs in hypersensitive individuals, there is a massive release of mast-cell and basophil mediators known as anaphylaxis, which may be life-threatening. Studies indicate that mast cells also release cytokines, which are proteins regulating immune responses. However, it is these cytokines that may be responsible for the consequences of mast cell and basophil activation. Furthermore, mast cells appear to recruit other white blood cells to the affected areas, and these cells may further promote the allergic response. Interestingly, this same mechanism of recruiting white blood cells may be important in the body's defense against parasitic infections.

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The cells of the allergic response: mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils

Article Abstract:

White blood cells play an important role in the initiation of the allergic response. Basophils and mast cells develop from precursor stem cells and contain or produce histamine and other chemicals of inflammation and immunity. Basophils mature in bone marrow and circulate in the blood, while mast cells congregate in tissue. These cells respond to specific antigens, biologic and physical stimuli by releasing cytokines and other immune factors. Eosinophils are most common in the gut, airway, and genitourinary tract, and may be particularly important in protecting against parasites.

Allergy

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