Eosinophil

An eosinophil is a white blood cell with granules that stain red-orange with eosin. It helps defend against parasites and contributes to allergic inflammation.

Eosinophil degranulation: The release of toxic proteins and other substances from eosinophil granules. This process delivers eosinophil granule contents to parasites and inflamed tissue.
Granulocyte: A white blood cell whose cytoplasm contains conspicuous granules, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Eosinophils belong to this white-cell group, distinguished by their granules.
Eosinophilia: An increased number of eosinophils in blood or tissue. Elevated counts can signal conditions that recruit or stimulate eosinophils.
Neutrophil: A granulocyte that is a major early responder to bacterial and fungal infections. Unlike eosinophils, neutrophils dominate many acute responses to bacteria and fungi.
Major basic protein: A highly cationic protein stored in eosinophil granules that can damage parasites and host tissues. It is one of the principal granule proteins released during eosinophil activation.
Hematopoiesis: The formation of blood cells from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Eosinophils arise through this process in the bone marrow.
Eosinophilic asthma: An asthma subtype characterized by eosinophilic airway inflammation. It illustrates how eosinophil-rich inflammation can contribute to airway disease.
Basophil: A rare granulocyte that releases histamine and other mediators during allergic responses. Both cells participate in allergy, but basophils are distinct circulating granulocytes.
Eosinophil peroxidase: An enzyme in eosinophil granules that generates reactive oxidants from hydrogen peroxide and halides. Its oxidant-producing activity adds to the tissue-damaging effects of degranulation.
Eosinophilopoiesis: The development of eosinophils from bone-marrow progenitor cells. This lineage-specific process produces mature eosinophils.

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