Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
16:01
Investigating Mast Cell Secretory Granules; from Biosynthesis to Exocytosis
Published on: January 26, 2015
5. IgE, mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils
Calman Prussin1, Dean D Metcalfe
1Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Rm. 11C-205, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|February 4, 2006
Summary
Allergic inflammation involves immunoglobulin E (IgE), mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils. Allergen-specific IgE binding to mast cells and basophils triggers mediator release upon allergen re-exposure, attracting eosinophils.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Allergic inflammation is a complex immune response involving key cellular players.
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a central role in initiating allergic reactions.
- Mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils are critical effector cells in allergy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the roles of IgE, mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils in allergic inflammation.
- To describe the mechanism of IgE binding and subsequent mediator release.
- To highlight the recruitment of eosinophils to sites of allergic reactions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on allergic inflammation.
- Analysis of cellular interactions and molecular signaling pathways.
- Focus on the IgE-FcepsilonRI pathway.
Main Results:
- IgE synthesis is triggered by environmental allergens.
- Allergen-specific IgE binds to FcepsilonRI receptors on mast cells and basophils.
- Allergen re-exposure leads to IgE aggregation, mediator release, and eosinophil recruitment.
Conclusions:
- IgE, mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils are integral to allergic inflammation.
- The IgE-mediated pathway is a primary driver of allergic responses.
- Eosinophils are key cells recruited during allergic mediator release.
Related Concept Videos
01:38Inflammation
Overview
01:15Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:30Classification of Leukocytes
Leukocytes are classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of cytoplasmic granules. Granular leukocytes, which contain granules, belong to the myeloid lineage and are divided into three subtypes: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. These cells are roughly spherical and characterized by the granules in their cytoplasm.
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granular leukocytes, comprising 50-70% of all leukocytes. They feature small, evenly distributed granules and a...
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granular leukocytes, comprising 50-70% of all leukocytes. They feature small, evenly distributed granules and a...
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...