The Open Allergy Journal

2010, 3 : 60-72
Published online 2010 November 26. DOI: 10.2174/1874838401003010060
Publisher ID: TOALLJ-3-60

Human Basophil Phenotypes and the Associated Signaling Mechanisms

Donald MacGlashan, Jr.
Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Baltimore, MD 21224.

ABSTRACT

A variety of studies have shown that human basophils are participants in allergic reactions and a recent study has indicated that it may even be important in the immediate reaction generally associated with a mast cell response. Therefore, it is important to understand how the function of these cells is regulated and whether the functionality has a relationship to the presence and severity of diseases like atopy. There are many indications that for IgE-mediated secretion, the regulation of syk expression is relevant to the broad distribution of outcomes observed in the general population. The factors influencing the expression of syk will be explored. In addition the outcomes of studies surveying signal element expression by various methods will be discussed.