What Are Basophils?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Basophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in allergic reactions and parasitic infections. They are part of the body’s innate immune response and are known for their ability to release histamine and other mediators that contribute to inflammation and allergic symptoms.

Characteristics and Functions

Basophils are characterized by their large granules that stain with basic dyes, which is how they get their name. These granules contain histamine, heparin, and other chemicals that are released during immune responses. Basophils express high-affinity IgE receptors (FcεRI) on their surface, which allows them to bind to IgE antibodies and play a significant role in allergic reactions1 2 10.

Role in Allergic Reactions

Basophils are heavily involved in the late-phase response (LPR) of allergic reactions. During an allergic reaction, basophils are recruited to the site of allergen exposure, where they release histamine and other mediators that cause inflammation and symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness. Studies have shown that basophils, rather than mast cells, are the primary source of histamine in the LPR1. This makes them a target for treatments aimed at reducing allergic symptoms, such as corticosteroids and anti-IgE therapies1 2 10.

Basophil Activation and Sensitization

Basophils can be activated by various stimuli, including allergens, anti-IgE antibodies, and other immune signals. Upon activation, they release their granule contents, which include histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This process is crucial in the development of allergic symptoms and can be measured using basophil activation tests (BATs). These tests assess the expression of activation markers such as CD63 and CD203c on the surface of basophils5 7.

Basophils in Disease and Therapy

Basophils are implicated in various allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies. For instance, in patients with peanut allergies, basophil activation correlates with the severity of allergic reactions during food challenges5. Treatments like omalizumab, an anti-IgE antibody, have been shown to increase basophil sensitivity to IgE-mediated stimulation, which has both mechanistic and clinical implications2 10. Additionally, cyclosporin A has been found to inhibit basophil histamine release, demonstrating its potential as an anti-inflammatory treatment3.

Basophils in Parasitic Infections

Basophils also play a role in the immune response to parasitic infections. For example, during infection with the parasitic worm Necator americanus, basophils are activated early in the infection process, even before significant increases in IgE levels are observed4. This early activation suggests that basophils are an important component of the immune response to parasitic infections.

Conclusion

Basophils are a critical component of the immune system, particularly in the context of allergic reactions and parasitic infections. Their ability to release histamine and other mediators makes them key players in the development of allergic symptoms. Understanding the role of basophils in these processes can help in the development of targeted therapies for allergic diseases and improve our overall understanding of immune system function.

Disclaimer

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