What Are the Functions of Eosinophils?

As we all know, our bodies are composed of countless cells, and it is also known that cells include red blood cells and white blood cells. However, many people are not very clear about the specific situation. In fact, among human bodies, mature white blood cells are divided into five categories, including eosinophils. Eosinophils and other cells mainly come from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, and are important cells in the process of immune response and allergic reaction, with the function of killing bacteria and parasites.

1.1 Limit the role of basophils in immediate allergic reactions. When basophils are activated, they release chemotactic factors, causing eosinophils to gather in the same area and limiting the activity of basophils from three aspects: first, eosinophils can produce prostaglandin E to inhibit the process of biosynthesis and release of bioactive substances by basophils; second, eosinophils can phagocytize particles excreted by basophils, so that the bioactive substances contained in them cannot function; third, eosinophils can release enzymes such as histaminase to destroy histamine and other active substances released by basophils.

1.2 Participate in the immune response to worms. Eosinophils play an important role in the immune response to worms. The cell membranes of these granulocytes are distributed with immunoglobulin Fc fragments and complement C3 receptors. In animals that have already developed immunity to this worm, specific immunoglobulin IgE (allergic constitution) is produced. After the worm is conditioned by specific IgE and C3, eosinophils can adhere to the worm by means of Fc receptors and C3 receptors on the cell surface, and use enzymes such as peroxidase contained in the cell lysosome to damage the worm body. In cases of parasitic infection, allergic reaction, etc., there is often an increase in eosinophils.

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. White blood cells can be divided into two categories: granular and non-granular, based on morphological differences. Granular white blood cells (granulocytes) contain special stained granules, and three types of granular white blood cells can be distinguished by staining with Wright's stain, namely neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Non-granular white blood cells include monocytes and lymphocytes. Eosinophils have coarse eosinophilic granules, which contain peroxidase and acid phosphatase.