Basophils from allergy to cancer

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Human basophils, comprising 0.5-1% of leukocytes, were historically understudied due to scarcity.
• Advances in isolation techniques and mouse models have significantly improved understanding of basophil function.
• Despite human-mouse model differences, research confirms basophils' critical roles in health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expanding roles of basophils beyond IgE-mediated allergic reactions.
• To highlight basophil involvement in tumorigenesis and wound healing.
• To elucidate the mechanisms, including cytokine secretion, underlying these diverse functions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on basophil research.
• Analysis of studies investigating basophil interactions in allergic diseases, cancer, and wound healing.
• Focus on cytokine (IL-4, IL-13) and growth factor (VEGF-A, amphiregulin) secretion.

Main Results:

• Basophils are key in IgE-mediated reactions, releasing histamine, leukotriene C4, IL-4, and IL-13.
• Basophils infiltrate tumors, exhibiting dual roles in promoting or inhibiting cancer progression.
• Basophils contribute to wound healing, similar to their roles in cancer, via IL-4/IL-13 mediated M2 macrophage polarization.

Conclusions:

• Basophils are crucial immune cells with expanding roles in allergy, cancer, and wound healing.
• Secretion of IL-4/IL-13 and angiogenic factors by basophils underpins their diverse pathobiological functions.
• Further research into basophil functions is vital for understanding and treating various diseases.