What are eosinophils responsible for?

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play an important role in the body's immune response. They are particularly involved in defending against parasitic infections, allergic reactions, and asthma. Here are some specific functions of eosinophils:

Defense against parasites: Eosinophils are essential for protecting the body against parasitic infections. They do this by attacking and killing parasitic organisms, such as worms and certain protozoa. Eosinophils are attracted to sites of parasitic infection, where they release toxic substances that can damage and destroy the parasites.

Allergic reactions: Eosinophils are also involved in allergic reactions, such as hay fever, asthma, and food allergies. In these conditions, the body produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to an allergen. These IgE antibodies bind to the surface of eosinophils, which then release inflammatory mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes. These mediators cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and wheezing.

Asthma: In asthma, eosinophils are one of the main inflammatory cells found in the airways. They release a number of inflammatory mediators, such as eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and major basic protein (MBP), which can damage the airways and cause asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Eosinophilic disorders: In some cases, eosinophils can become overactive or accumulate in excessive numbers, leading to a condition known as an eosinophilic disorder. These disorders can affect various organs and tissues in the body and can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the eosinophil infiltration.

Overall, eosinophils play a crucial role in protecting the body against parasitic infections and in regulating allergic responses. However, in certain situations, overactivation or accumulation of eosinophils can contribute to disease.