function

Last reviewed 01/2018

Eosinophils have the following functions:

  • phagocytosis of antigen-antibody complex
  • destruction of parasites by recognition of cell surface inflammatory or immune markers. This causes degranulation of lysosomes to damage the parasite membrane. Eosinophils recognise:
    • C3b complement component
    • IgG
    • IgE
  • dampen the effect of vasoactive inflammatory mediators in allergy by the release of histaminase and arylsulphatase