Functional role of eosinophils in gastrointestinal inflammation

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2009 Feb;29(1):129-40, xi. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2008.10.004.

Abstract

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases (EGIDs) are characterized by a rich eosinophilic inflammation of the GI tract. Clinical and experimental studies suggest that eosinophils have a pathogenic role in EGIDs; however, the function of eosinophils in these diseases remains an enigma. This article describes eosinophil immunoregulatory and effector function and discusses the possible involvement of these pathways in EGIDs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Degranulation / immunology
  • Complement System Proteins / immunology
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic*
  • Eosinophil Granule Proteins / immunology
  • Eosinophilia / immunology*
  • Eosinophilia / physiopathology
  • Eosinophils / immunology*
  • Eosinophils / metabolism
  • Eosinophils / pathology
  • Exocytosis / immunology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / immunology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Mucosal*
  • Mice
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Eosinophil Granule Proteins
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Complement System Proteins