Neutrophils eosinophils and basophils
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Roles and Characteristics of Neutrophils, Eosinophils, and Basophils
Introduction to Granulocytes: Neutrophils, Eosinophils, and Basophils
Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are types of granulocytes, a category of white blood cells essential for the immune response. These cells are involved in both microbe-induced and sterile inflammation, with their activity regulated by various factors that control their survival and death1. Understanding the distinct roles and characteristics of these granulocytes is crucial for comprehending their contributions to immune responses and potential therapeutic targets.
Neutrophils: First Responders in Inflammation
Function and Lifespan Regulation
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granulocytes and are primarily involved in the initial response to infection. They are known for their ability to phagocytize pathogens and release reactive oxygen species (ROS) to destroy bacteria, parasites, and fungi8. Recent research has shown that neutrophils can survive longer than previously thought and can express genes encoding key inflammatory mediators, including complement components and cytokines8. The regulation of neutrophil lifespan is critical, as dysregulation can lead to excessive inflammation and tissue damage1.
Bioelectrical Properties
Neutrophils have distinct bioelectrical properties, including specific membrane capacitance and cytoplasmic conductivity, which can be measured using impedance flow cytometry. These properties help in distinguishing neutrophils from other granulocytes2.
Eosinophils: Key Players in Allergic Reactions and Parasitic Infections
Function and Activation
Eosinophils are primarily involved in the defense against parasitic infections and play a significant role in allergic reactions. They contain specific proteins in their cytoplasmic granules that are crucial for their function5. Eosinophils can be directly activated by chemotaxins like C3a and C5a, leading to polarization, chemotaxis, and enzyme release7.
Adhesion and Recruitment
Eosinophils adhere to endothelial cells via adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1, ELAM-1, and VCAM-1, which are upregulated by cytokines like interleukin 1 (IL-1). This adhesion is essential for their recruitment to sites of inflammation3.
Basophils: Mediators of Allergic Responses
Function and Heterogeneity
Basophils are the rarest granulocytes and are involved in allergic responses and parasite-induced inflammation. They release histamine and other mediators upon activation. Recent studies using mass cytometry have revealed functional heterogeneity within basophils, identifying distinct subpopulations with varying responses to stimuli4.
Adhesion and Activation
Similar to eosinophils, basophils adhere to endothelial cells through adhesion molecules like ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. However, basophils do not express certain receptors like CD14, which are present on neutrophils and monocytes, indicating different pathways of activation and function3 10.
Conclusion
Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils each play unique and critical roles in the immune response. Neutrophils are the first responders to infection, eosinophils are key in combating parasitic infections and mediating allergic reactions, and basophils are crucial for allergic responses. Understanding the distinct properties and regulatory mechanisms of these granulocytes can provide insights into their roles in health and disease and highlight potential therapeutic targets for controlling inflammation.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Living and dying for inflammation: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils.
Targeting granulocyte lifespan could be therapeutically promising, as dysregulation of death pathways in granulocytes contributes to inflammation-associated immunopathology.
Highly CitedInherent single‐cell bioelectrical parameters of thousands of neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils derived from impedance flow cytometry
Inherent single-cell bioelectrical parameters can effectively classify neutrophils from eosinophils or basophils, but not effectively distinguish eosinophils from basophils.
In Vitro StudyAdhesion of human basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils to interleukin 1-activated human vascular endothelial cells: contributions of endothelial cell adhesion molecules
ICAM-1, ELAM-1, and VCAM-1 play distinct roles in the adhesion of human basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils to interleukin 1-activated vascular endothelial cells, suggesting a novel mechanism for inflammation recruitment.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedMass Cytometry Phenotyping of Human Granulocytes Reveals Novel Basophil Functional Heterogeneity
Four distinct subpopulations of human basophilic granulocytes have been identified, offering insights into their heterogeneity and potential roles in non-IgE-mediated immunity.
In Vitro StudyThe immunobiology of eosinophils.
EOSINOPHILS, like neutrophils and basophils, are a type of granulocyte derived from bone marrow, distinguished by their morphologic features, constituents, products, and associations with specific diseases. The original denominating property of eosinophils was the cardinal affinity of their cytoplasmic granules for acid aniline dyes, such as eosin. Eosinophils contain several eosinophil-specific proteins in their cytoplasmic granules, yet to date no cell-surface proteins unique to eosinophils have been recognized. Thus, tinctorial properties remain the routine basis for identifying and enumerating these leukocytes in blood and tissues. Eosinophilia, characterized by both heightened production of eosinophils in bone marrow and the accumulation of . . .
Highly CitedGranules of the human neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocyte.
POLYMORPHONUCLEAR leukocytes were discovered by Paul Ehrlich,[1][1] when fixation and staining techniques made it possible to identify the lobulated nucleus and the granules that have given name to these cells and allowed for their classification as eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils.
Highly CitedC3a is a chemotaxin for human eosinophils but not for neutrophils. I. C3a stimulation of neutrophils is secondary to eosinophil activation
C3a directly activates human eosinophils, while it fails to activate neutrophils, and its indirect stimulation of neutrophils may be due to eosinophil contamination in neutrophil preparations.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedEosinophilia
Human basophils sensitized by IgE antibody release a substance that attracts eosinophils but not neutrophils, causing morphological changes and release of histamine and presumptive SRS-A.
Highly CitedToll-Like Receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 in Human Peripheral Blood Granulocytes: A Critical Role for Monocytes in Leukocyte Lipopolysaccharide Responses1
Monocytes play a critical role in leukocyte lipopolysaccharide responses, with neutrophils playing a lesser role and eosinophils and basophils not playing a significant role in peripheral blood function.
In Vitro StudyHighly Cited