Basophils as T(h)2-inducing antigen-presenting cells.
Recent studies have revealed a role for basophils as antigen-presenting cells that preferentially induce T(h)2 cells in response to complexes of antigen plus antigen-specific IgE, to protease allergens or to helminthic parasites in vitro and in vivo through the production of 'early IL-4' and the presentation to CD4(+) T cells of complexes of peptide plus MHC class II. These findings have revealed previously unknown functions of basophils and will potentially aid the design of novel therapeutic strategies for T(h)2-IgE-mediated diseases such as bronchial asthma.
Yoshimoto
Tomohiro
T
Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan. tomo@hyo-med.ac.jp
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001491:Basophils / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*
D000941:Antigens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E