Murine Models of Eosinophil Function in Fungal and Viral Infections

Eosinophils are granulocytes that were historically considered to be terminally differentiated at the time of bone marrow egress. However, more recent evidence provides a new outlook on these cells as complex immunomodulators that are involved in host defense and homeostasis. Our work established a role for eosinophils as mediators of antiviral immune responses during influenza in hosts that were sensitized and challenged with fungal allergens. Herein, we describe methods for working with murine eosinophils in the context of influenza A virus.