Microbiology Practice Exam

Basophils play a crucial role in supporting allergic reactions as part of the immune response. These white blood cells are involved in the release of histamine and other mediators that contribute to the inflammation and symptoms associated with allergies, such as asthma, hay fever, and anaphylaxis. When an allergen is encountered, basophils can be activated and release substances that lead to increased blood vessel permeability and attract other immune cells, resulting in the classic signs of an allergic reaction.

This cell type is particularly important in the body's defense against parasites as well, but their primary association in a typical immune response context is with allergies. Understanding the function of basophils in this manner highlights their role in immediate hypersensitivity reactions, distinguishing them from other types of immune responses like chronic inflammation, autoimmune reactions, or responses to viral infections, which involve different immune cells and mechanisms.