title: Basophils and mast cells: Underdog in immune regulation?
abstract: Mast cells and basophilic granulocytes have recently been recognized as potent immunomodulatory cells. Whereas these cells originally were described as potent cells that release their pro-inflammatory contents (i.e. histamine) unconstrained after activation, nowadays this process is considered to be much more subtle. Especially, via the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines basophils and mast cells now can steer an immune response. Recently, it has become evident that at least in murine models basophils are crucial for the initial induction of a Th2 response in immunologically naive mouse.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology/Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. e.f.knol@umcutrecht.nl
authors.forename: Edward F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Knol
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olszewski
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology; D001491:Basophils / Q000276:immunology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D022142:Secretory Vesicles / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology