Modulatory role of eosinophils in allergic inflammation: New evidence for a rather outdated concept

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Vol. 92, Suppl. II, pp. 37-43 Modulatory role of eosinophils in allergic inflammation: New evidence for a rather outdated concept Christianne Bandeira-Melo, Renato SB Cordeiro, Patricia MR Silva, Marco A Martins Code Number:OC97167 Size of Files: Text: 32K Graphics: Line drawings and photographs (jpg) - 62.9K Tables (jpg) - 84.4K The eosinophilic response has been identified as a key alteration in the pathogenesis of asthma and other allergic diseases. A close-correlation between disease severity and eosinophilia, and the eosinophil ability to provide toxic and pro-inflammatory agents are the major elements supporting the interpretation that there is indeed a causal relationship between these phenomena. Nevertheless, controversy still persists since some studies have clearly demonstrated that eosinophil infiltration is not necessarily accompanied by tissue damage or hyperresponsiveness. In addition, there are some examples in the literature in which such alterations are not modified following abrogation of eosinophil influx. In this review it will be argued, based on a model of IgE-dependent pleurisy, that eosinophil infiltration can be associated with down-regulation of allergic inflammatory response. The potential mechanism by which eosinophils could be acting as a immunomodulatory cells in this particular system will also be assessed. Key words: eosinophil - prostaglandins - allergy - inflammation and pleurisy Copyright 1997 Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocru