Basophils as Th2-inducing antigen-presenting cells.

Recent studies have revealed a role for basophils as antigen-presenting cells that preferentially induce Th2 cells in response to complexes of antigen plus antigen-specific IgE, to protease allergens or to helminthic parasites in vitro and in vivo through the production of ‘early IL-4’ and the presentation to CD4+ T cells of complexes of peptide plus MHC class II. These findings have revealed previously unknown functions of basophils and will potentially aid the design of novel therapeutic strategies for Th2–IgE-mediated diseases such as bronchial asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]