Role of Eosinophils in Immunity, Allergy, and Inflammation: Friend or Foe

Nyiramana Mukamurera P.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Eosinophils are multifunctional granulocytes involved in both protective and pathological immune responses. Traditionally recognized for their role in host defense against parasitic infections, eosinophils have gained significant attention for their involvement in allergic diseases, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, where they are often considered detrimental. Eosinophils contribute to tissue damage and inflammation by releasing cytotoxic granule proteins, cytokines, and chemokines, perpetuating chronic inflammation. In conditions such as eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and hypereosinophilic syndrome, eosinophils infiltrate tissues and exacerbate inflammation, leading to organ dysfunction. However, eosinophils also exhibit beneficial roles, including modulating immune responses, promoting tissue repair, and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Recent research has highlighted their regulatory functions, where they interact with other immune cells to mediate both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. The dual nature of eosinophils—both as protectors in immunity and contributors to pathology—presents a complex challenge in understanding their full impact on health and disease. Advances in biologic therapies targeting eosinophil activity, such as IL-5 inhibitors, offer promising treatment options for eosinophil-associated disorders. This review explores the diverse roles of eosinophils in immunity, allergy, and inflammation, examining both their protective and harmful functions, while discussing therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating eosinophil activity in various diseases.

Keywords: Eosinophils, allergy, inflammation, immune regulation, IL-5 therapy

CITE AS: Nyiramana Mukamurera P. (2024). Role of Eosinophils in Immunity, Allergy, and Inflammation: Friend or Foe. INOSR Experimental Sciences 14(1):16-20. https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRES/2024/141.1620