Basophil anaphylaxis role

It is generally accepted (based on clinical and in vitro studies) that mast cells (and basophils), IgE and FceRI are involved in most cases of allergen-induced anaphylaxis in humans. However, it is difficult to define the exact roles and relative importance of mast cells, basophils, and other potential effector cells (e.g monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells) in either IgE-dependent or IgE-independent human anaphylaxis. Unlike in mice, we neither have access to mast cell- or basophil-deficient humans nor can we genetically manipulate human subjects to produce such phenotypes. 

The roles of potential effector cells other than mast cells and basophils (e.g. monocytes/ macrophages, dendritic cells) in IgE-dependent and IgE-independent anaphylaxis in mice and humans remain to be determined. 

TsujimuraY, ObataK, Mukai K, Shindou H, Yoshida M, Nishikado H, Kawano Y, Minegishi Y, Shimizu X Karasuyama H Basophils play a pivotal role in SS immunoglobulin-G-mediated but not immuno-globulin-E-mediated systemic anaphylaxis. Immunity 2008 28 581-589. 

A Crucial Role for Basophils in IgG-Mediated Systemic Anaphylaxis... 

Basophils and Eosinophils. These two types of granulocyte represent only a small proportion of the circulating leukocytes. The basophil possesses receptors specific for the Fc portion of IgE molecules. It is involved in allergic reactions and can play a role in the clinical state of anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic response. Eosinophils are involved with the immune reactivity of drug allergies and with the body s immune response to parasitic infestations such as worms (see chapter 9). 

A complement-independent mechanism of anaphylaxis would be classical allergy employing IgE antibodies. We found these antibodies to be elevated in only a few cases—possibly atopic individuals [142]. The serum of one of these children was used for passive sensitization of basophils of a healthy blood donor. The cells released histamine upon incubation of the cells with 1-ASP (Fig. 10). indicating that in some children IgE-mediated allergy may also play a role for clinical symptoms,... 

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