Basophil Functions During Type 2 Inflammation: Initiators, Regulators and Effectors

Recent studies have identified several previously unrecognized functions of basophils in multiple models of Th2 cytokine-dependent immunity and inflammation. In addition to their established role as effector cells in inflamed tis- sues, findings now indicate that basophils express MHC class II and co-stimulatory molecules, can migrate into draining lymph nodes, present antigen to naive CD4 + T cells and promote Th2 cell differentiation. In this context, basophils have been shown to be critically important for the induction and propagation of Th2 cytokine responses following exposure to helminth parasites and allergens. This article reviews recent conceptual advances in our understanding of basophil biology in the context of allergy and helminth infection.