Recent advancement in the mechanism of basophil activation

Basophils have been recognized as crucial players in allergic inflammation. Basophils have the potential to initiate and expand inflammation through the production of specific cytokines and proteases, and are associated with T helper 2 (Th2) immune responses. In addition, recent studies revealed the heterogeneity in basophil populations. Basophils have been clarified important roles in not only IgE-mediated allergic inflammation but also TSLP-mediated and IgE-independent inflammation. Moreover, basophils infiltrate in many human cutaneous diseases.