Eosinophils: Cells known for over 140 years with broad and new functions

Eosinophils are multifunctional leukocytes, being involved in the host defense against helminth infection, tissue homeostasis and repair of injured tissue. However, eosinophils also play critical roles in shaping the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including fibrotic responses in allergic disease...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ami Aoki, Kiyoshi Hirahara, Masahiro Kiuchi, Toshinori Nakayama
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2021-01-01
Series:Allergology International
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1323893020301118
Description
Summary:Eosinophils are multifunctional leukocytes, being involved in the host defense against helminth infection, tissue homeostasis and repair of injured tissue. However, eosinophils also play critical roles in shaping the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including fibrotic responses in allergic diseases. Eosinophils consist of various granules that are a source of cytokines, chemokines, enzymes, extracellular matrix and growth factors. Recent studies have revealed that eosinophil extracellular trap cell death (EETosis) exacerbates eosinophilic inflammation by releasing the products, including Charcot-Leyden crystals (CLCs). In type 2 inflammatory diseases, memory-type pathogenic helper T (Tpath) cells are involved in shaping the pathogenesis of eosinophilic inflammation by recruiting and activating eosinophils in vivo. We herein review the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of eosinophils and the various functions of granules, including CLCs, during eosinophilic inflammation. We also discuss the double-edged roles of eosinophils in tissue repair and type 2 immune inflammation.
ISSN:1323-8930