Role of interleukins in the regulation of basophil development and secretion

It is well appreciated that differentiation, growth, and function of basophils are regulated by a network of cytokines, and that these cells express a unique composition of surface receptors including interleukin-binding sites. In the current article, most recent discoveries around cytokine regulation of basophils are discussed and compared with previous data.

Confirming previous studies, the most potent growth factor for basophils remains interleukin (IL)-3, followed by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and IL-5. These cytokines also act on mature basophils through specific receptors, thereby mediating adhesion, migration, and releasability. Other molecules regulating basophil function are chemokines such as IL-8 or eotaxin and IL-33. Especially IL-33 has been described as a novel basophil regulator. All cytokines act on basophils via specific receptors and signal transduction pathways. The present article provides a summary of our knowledge on cytokine regulation of basophils and receptor expression, with emphasis on most recent developments in the field.

Basophil regulation by cytokines in health and disease may be a more complex process than has been considered previously. Some of the affected cytokine cascades, receptors, and signal transduction molecules may serve as targets of therapy in 'basophil activation disorders' in the future.