title: The Evolution of Human Basophil Biology from Neglect towards Understanding of Their Immune Functions.
abstract: Being discovered long ago basophils have been neglected for more than a century. During the past decade evidence emerged that basophils share features of innate and adaptive immunity. Nowadays, basophils are best known for their striking effector role in the allergic reaction. They hence have been used for establishing new diagnostic tests and therapeutic approaches and for characterizing natural and recombinant allergens as well as hypoallergens, which display lower or diminished IgE-binding activity. However, it was a long way from discovery in 1879 until identification of their function in hypersensitivity reactions, including adverse drug reactions. Starting with a historical background, this review highlights the modern view on basophil biology.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Laboratory for Immunological & Molecular Cancer Research, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steiner
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Huber
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Department of Neurology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harrer
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5416-085X
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Himly
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000485:Allergens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D001491:Basophils / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E