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The biology of the eosinophilic leukocyte

G J Gleich1, C R Adolphson, K M Leiferman

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Annual Review of Medicine
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Eosinophils release toxic granule proteins, like major basic protein (MBP), causing tissue damage in asthma. Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is a key factor in these diseases, making it a potential drug target.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Eosinophils possess unique granules with cationic toxins effective against pathogens and host cells.
  • In bronchial asthma, eosinophil granule proteins, particularly major basic protein (MBP), are implicated in tissue damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the role of eosinophils and their products in asthma pathogenesis.
  • To identify Interleukin-5 (IL-5) as a significant eosinophil activator and potential therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on eosinophil function and asthma.
  • Analysis of the role of Interleukin-5 (IL-5) in hypersensitivity and helminth infections.

Main Results:

  • Eosinophils release cytotoxic granule proteins that mediate asthma-related tissue abnormalities.
  • Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is strongly associated with helminth infections and hypersensitivity diseases, driving eosinophil activation.

Conclusions:

  • Eosinophil granule proteins are key mediators of asthma pathology.
  • Targeting Interleukin-5 (IL-5) presents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing asthma and related conditions.

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