Basophils as Th2-inducing antigen-presenting cells

Abstract

Recent studies have revealed a role for basophils as antigen-presenting cells that preferentially induce Th2 cells in response to complexes of antigen plus antigen-specific IgE, to protease allergens or to helminthic parasites in vitro and in vivo through the production of 'early IL-4' and the presentation to CD4+ T cells of complexes of peptide plus MHC class II. These findings have revealed previously unknown functions of basophils and will potentially aid the design of novel therapeutic strategies for Th2-IgE-mediated diseases such as bronchial asthma. © The Japanese Society for Immunology. 2010. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org.