Eosinophils are particularly involved in defense against which pathogens?

Eosinophils are particularly involved in defense against which pathogens?

• A. Helminths
• B. Bacteria
• C. Viruses
• D. Fungi

Answer: (A)

Eosinophils are specialized for fighting multicellular parasites, especially helminths. They’re activated in IgE-mediated responses and release toxic granule proteins, such as major basic protein and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, onto the parasite’s surface to damage and kill it. They also contribute via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species. This makes them particularly effective against helminths, while bacteria, viruses, and fungi are mainly handled by other immune cells like neutrophils, NK cells, and macrophages.

Eosinophils are specialized for fighting multicellular parasites, especially helminths. They’re activated in IgE-mediated responses and release toxic granule proteins, such as major basic protein and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, onto the parasite’s surface to damage and kill it. They also contribute via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species. This makes them particularly effective against helminths, while bacteria, viruses, and fungi are mainly handled by other immune cells like neutrophils, NK cells, and macrophages.