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Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Eosinophils: Cells known for over 140 years with broad and new functions
Ami Aoki1, Kiyoshi Hirahara2, Masahiro Kiuchi1
1Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
Abstract:
Eosinophils are multifunctional leukocytes, being involved in the host defense against helminth infection, tissue homeostasis and repair of injured tissue. However, eosinophils also play critical roles in shaping the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including fibrotic responses in allergic diseases. Eosinophils consist of various granules that are a source of cytokines, chemokines, enzymes, extracellular matrix and growth factors. Recent studies have revealed that eosinophil extracellular trap cell death (EETosis) exacerbates eosinophilic inflammation by releasing the products, including Charcot-Leyden crystals (CLCs). In type 2 inflammatory diseases, memory-type pathogenic helper T (Tpath) cells are involved in shaping the pathogenesis of eosinophilic inflammation by recruiting and activating eosinophils in vivo. We herein review the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of eosinophils and the various functions of granules, including CLCs, during eosinophilic inflammation. We also discuss the double-edged roles of eosinophils in tissue repair and type 2 immune inflammation.
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