Are Basophils Important Mediators for Helminth-Induced Th2 Immune Responses? A Debate. (20th February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leon-Cabrera, Sonia; Flisser, Ana
• Other Names: Satoskar Abhay R. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of biomedicine and biotechnology. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-02-20
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Medicine; Biology; Biotechnology; Médecine; Biologie; Biotechnologie; Biology; Biotechnology; Medicine; Biotechnology; Biomedicine; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/274150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1110-7243

Abstract

Abstract : Helminth parasites induce Th2 immune responses. Immunological mechanisms leading to Th2 induction are mainly dependent on IL-4. However, early source of IL-4 has not been precisely identified. Noticeably, basophils seem to be important mediators for inducing and maintaining the Th2 response probably because they secrete IL-4 and exert functions similar to APCs. Nevertheless, recent experimental evidence points that DCs could be also significant participants during this process. The involvement of basophils during memory responses is also discussed.