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Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
Mechanisms of hypersensitivity: cellular interactions. Basophil arrival and function in tissue hypersensitivity
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|August 1, 1979
Summary
Tissue basophils and mast cells are crucial for hypersensitivity responses. These cells release mediators that aid in parasite expulsion and modulate immune reactions, impacting tissue inflammation and leukocyte accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Basophils are recruited to tissues during hypersensitivity reactions, forming cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) reactions in the skin.
- CBH reactions in guinea pigs are triggered by T cell- or antibody-mediated mechanisms, which can be modulated.
- T cell-mediated CBH can be suppressed in certain tuberculin-type reactions, while B cells mediate CBH via IgG1 antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of basophils and mast cells in delayed-type hypersensitivity responses.
- To understand the mechanisms by which these cells are recruited and activated in tissues.
- To explore the contribution of mediators released by basophils and mast cells to immune responses and tissue function.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews established knowledge on basophil recruitment and function in hypersensitivity models, including guinea pigs and mice.
- It discusses T cell- and antibody-mediated triggers for CBH.
- It examines the role of Fc receptors, histamine release, and serotonin in modulating immune responses and leukocyte accumulation.
Main Results:
- Recruited basophils, upon antigen triggering, release mediators like histamine, augmenting anaphylactic potential at tissue sites.
- In parasitic infections, tissue basophil mediator release aids in parasite expulsion.
- Histamine and serotonin released by basophils and mast cells modulate delayed reactions and facilitate leukocyte infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Basophils and mast cells, through the release of vasoactive amines, play significant roles in the initiation, progression, and function of various tissue hypersensitivity responses.
- These cells contribute to both immediate inflammatory reactions and the modulation of adaptive immune responses.
- Understanding these cellular roles is critical for developing targeted therapies for hypersensitivity disorders.
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