[Significance of delayed eosinophilic apoptosis in chronic allergic inflammations]

Eosinophils are potent inflammatory cells involved in allergic reactions. Recent studies suggest that delayed eosinophil apoptosis is a pathogenic event for the accumulation of these cells in chronic eosinophilic inflammation. Therefore, it is important to study the mechanisms which regulate eosinophil apoptosis. Such knowledge may help to identify useful targets for the development of new drugs. Here we review recent progress in our understanding of the processes regulating eosinophil apoptosis.