We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Basophil Activation?

Andrew Kirmayer
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,945
Share

Basophils are types of cells in the immune system called leukocytes. They are typically the least abundant variety of these cells, but during basophil activation, they can travel quickly to injured sites where there is inflammation. During this process, different proteins such as cytokines, and others that regulate inflammatory responses and allergic reactions, are released by basophils. Medical tests can detect these cells by identifying markers used to find protein antigens on their surface. These include Cluster of Differentiation (CD) proteins such as CD203c, which are typically attached to molecules on the surface of cells.

Studies have found other protein markers during allergic reactions in which basophil activation takes place. These substances are often identified through blood tests and laboratory procedures such as flow cytometry, which can be used to analyze each cell and surface proteins. Such a procedure can also be used to develop pharmaceutical drugs and screen the ones that are the most effective. Many medical tests function by activating the cells in the laboratory to monitor allergic reactions to different compounds.

During an allergic reaction, basophils and other immune components called mast cells release an inflammation-inducing compound called histamine. Basophil activation, therefore, is often thought to trigger physical reactions in people with allergy related illnesses. The process sometimes leads to shock and airway obstruction if it is not regulated by medication.

Basophil activation occurs when an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) is exposed to a receptor on the immune cell. Granules are structures typically inside a basophil that contain substances that can start an allergic reaction. The binding usually activates the cell and the substances are released when it undergoes degranulation, during which the inner surface of the granules typically merge with the outside of the basophil membrane.

A marker called CD63 is often present within the granules, so allergy tests performed by analyzing blood or skin responses usually check for the molecule. Various substances are mixed with a specific allergen in a test tube, which are then heated, to analyze a blood sample. These include a type of interleukin, which is typically responsible for the communication between cells during an immune response.

While basophils are not as prevalent as other immune cells, if one is sensitized to IgE, they will be more prevalent than other antigen-specific cells in the blood. Basophil activation and other compounds present during this reaction are often measured to diagnose food allergies. Physicians often perform these tests to find treatments for conditions as well.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Andrew Kirmayer
By Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer, a freelance writer with his own online writing business, creates engaging content across various industries and disciplines. With a degree in Creative Writing, he is skilled at writing compelling articles, blogs, press releases, website content, web copy, and more, all with the goal of making the web a more informative and engaging place for all audiences.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer, a freelance writer with his own online writing business, creates engaging content across various...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-basophil-activation.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.