Role of Basophils in Allergic Reactions

A number of previous and more recent studies have shown that basophil granulocytes are effector cells of allergic reactions (1–3). These cells store histamine in their granules and express high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding sites (3,4). In addition, blood basophils can release their mediators in response to an allergen or other stimuli. In patients with allergic asthma, rhinitis, or contact dermatitis, basophils can be detected at the sites of disease and frequently show signs of anaphylactoid degranulation (5–7). Basophils may also accumulate in affected tissues during the late phase of an allergic reaction following antigen challenge (5,8). During the past few years, major advances in basophil research have been made and novel concepts have emerged. In contrast to mast cell research most of these data stem from research on human cells. This article gives a short overview of the role of blood basophils in allergic reactions.