Abstract
Eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells are effector cells of the innate immune system and generally associated with type 2 immunity in response to allergens and helminth infections. In addition, all three cell types are implicated in a variety of other biological functions that will not be covered in this chapter. About 130 years ago, Paul Ehrlich described that eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells can be distinguished based on their characteristic staining of cytoplasmic granules with organic dyes. The granules store various pro-inflammatory effector molecules that can be released within minutes after activation of the cell. Eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells can further express Th2-associated cytokines including IL-4 and IL-13 that are critical for induction of effector functions in other cells such as mucus secretion by goblet cells, collagen production by fibroblasts, activation of smooth muscle cells, class switch recombination to IgE in B cells, secretion of chemokines from endothelial cells, or differentiation of alternatively activated macrophages. In addition to their pro-inflammatory role during the active phase of the immune response, eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells may contribute to resolution of inflammation, tissue remodeling, and restoration. This chapter describes the regulation of development, homeostasis, and effector functions of these three cell types in type 2 immune responses.
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Voehringer, D. (2016). Regulation and Function of Basophil, Eosinophil, and Mast Cell Responses. In: Gause, W., Artis, D. (eds) The Th2 Type Immune Response in Health and Disease. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2911-5_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2911-5_1
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