Which cell type is a granulocyte commonly involved in allergic responses and asthma?

Which cell type is a granulocyte commonly involved in allergic responses and asthma?

• A. Neutrophil
• B. Basophil
• C. Eosinophil
• D. Lymphocyte

Answer: (B)

The cell type most closely tied to allergic inflammation and asthma is the eosinophil, a granulocyte that accumulates in the airways during such inflammatory responses. Eosinophils are drawn to sites of allergic inflammation by cytokines like IL-5 and chemokines such as eotaxin. Once in the tissue, they release granule proteins (like major basic protein and eosinophil cationic protein) that help fight parasites but also damage airway epithelium, promote mucus production, and contribute to bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling seen in asthma. Basophils do participate in immediate hypersensitivity by releasing histamine, but eosinophils are the hallmark drivers of the chronic allergic inflammation typical of asthma. Neutrophils and lymphocytes have other roles in the immune response and are less central to the classic allergic asthma process.

The cell type most closely tied to allergic inflammation and asthma is the eosinophil, a granulocyte that accumulates in the airways during such inflammatory responses. Eosinophils are drawn to sites of allergic inflammation by cytokines like IL-5 and chemokines such as eotaxin. Once in the tissue, they release granule proteins (like major basic protein and eosinophil cationic protein) that help fight parasites but also damage airway epithelium, promote mucus production, and contribute to bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling seen in asthma. Basophils do participate in immediate hypersensitivity by releasing histamine, but eosinophils are the hallmark drivers of the chronic allergic inflammation typical of asthma. Neutrophils and lymphocytes have other roles in the immune response and are less central to the classic allergic asthma process.