Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
03:23
Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Eosinophils in innate immunity: an evolving story.
Revital Shamri1, Jason J Xenakis, Lisa A Spencer
1Division of Allergy and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Cell and Tissue Research
|November 3, 2010
Summary
Eosinophils, traditionally known for parasite defense and allergic responses, are now recognized as crucial players in broader innate immunity. Recent research highlights their roles in linking innate and adaptive immunity and tissue remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Innate Immunity
Background:
- Eosinophils are innate immune leukocytes present in low blood concentrations.
- Historically, eosinophils' primary functions were linked to parasite defense and allergic reactions like asthma, due to their release of tissue-destructive cationic proteins.
- Recent advancements reveal eosinophils' broader involvement in innate immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the known multifaceted functions of eosinophils in innate immunity.
- To discuss emerging research and new directions in eosinophil immunobiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in eosinophil immunobiology.
- Synthesis of current understanding of eosinophil roles in innate immunity.
Main Results:
- Eosinophils participate in various aspects of innate immunity beyond parasite defense and allergy.
- Eosinophils play roles in bridging innate and adaptive immune responses.
- Eosinophils are involved in orchestrating tissue remodeling events.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophil functions are more diverse than previously understood, extending into multiple facets of innate immunity.
- Eosinophils are key regulators of immune responses and tissue homeostasis.
- Further research into eosinophil immunobiology promises new insights into health and disease.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
01:28Cells of the Innate Immune Response
The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:21Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity
The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
01:16Transduction
Among the three main modes of HGT—transformation, conjugation, and transduction—transduction is unique in that it is mediated by bacteriophages, or bacterial viruses.Transduction occurs in two ways. Generalized transduction occurs during the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage infection. In this process, bacteriophages infect bacterial cells, replicate within them, and ultimately cause cell lysis, releasing newly assembled virions. Occasionally, random fragments of the bacterial genome are...