Biology of the eosinophil

Adv Immunol. 2009:101:81-121. doi: 10.1016/S0065-2776(08)01003-1.

Abstract

In this review, we aim to put in perspective the biology of a multifunctional leukocyte, the eosinophil, by placing it in the context of innate and adaptive immune responses. Eosinophils have a unique contribution in initiating inflammatory and adaptive responses, due to their bidirectional interactions with dendritic cells and T cells, as well as their large panel of secreted cytokines and soluble mediators. The mechanisms and consequences of eosinophil responses in experimental inflammatory models and human diseases are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation / immunology
  • Bacterial Infections / immunology*
  • Bacterial Infections / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Eosinophil Cationic Protein / immunology
  • Eosinophil Cationic Protein / metabolism
  • Eosinophil Major Basic Protein / immunology
  • Eosinophil Major Basic Protein / metabolism
  • Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin / immunology
  • Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin / metabolism
  • Eosinophils / immunology*
  • Eosinophils / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Hypersensitivity / metabolism
  • Integrins / immunology
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 / metabolism
  • Macrophage-1 Antigen / immunology
  • Macrophage-1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Mast Cells / immunology
  • Mast Cells / metabolism
  • Peroxidase / immunology
  • Peroxidase / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Cytokines
  • Integrins
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1
  • Macrophage-1 Antigen
  • integrin alpha4beta7
  • Peroxidase
  • Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin
  • Eosinophil Cationic Protein
  • Eosinophil Major Basic Protein