Abstract
Expression of high-affinity IgE receptors (FceRI) and histamine-containing granules are hallmarks of basophils, which highlights their similarity to mast cells. Historically, it is this similarity that has focused investigation into the biology of basophils and kept attention on its role in hypersensitivity reactions. Is it possible that there is more to the life of the basophil? Are they more than just terminally differentiated cannon fodder cells rapidly mobilized to repel ecto-parasites using their surface-bound IgE to bind parasite antigens that induce the release of potent mediators? Recent studies of murine basophils by Mack and co-workers published in Nature Immunology1 have begun to suggest that the answer to these questions is yes (Figure 1).
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