title: The function of eosinophils.
abstract: What is the primary function of eosinophils? Regulatory or anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory? Results with IL-5 knockout mice and with IL-5R alpha knockout mice clearly show that (1) eosinophils play key roles as cellular mediators in asthma and allergy, and that (2) IL-5 is necessary for the participation of eosinophils in allergic inflammation (Foster PS et al. J Exp Med 183:195-201, 1996; Tanaka H et al. Clin Exp Allergy 30:874-881, 2000). The results obtained with IL-5 knockout mice and with IL-5R alpha knockout mice can be used to guide and inform asthma and allergy research in humans.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Weltman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000502:physiology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015848:Interleukin-5 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D015848:Interleukin-5; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin