Eosinophils as antigen-presenting cells

The recognition of eosinophils as complex immunomodulatory cells has been increasing in recent years. One new function of eosinophils is their role as antigen-presenting cells (APCs).


Eosinophil. Image source: Wikipedia.

Eosinophils can express major histocompatibility complex class II and costimulatory molecules. They have also been found to traffic to regional lymph nodes and act as professional APCs.

Eosinophils may have more complex immunomodulatory roles in allergic upper airway disease than previously appreciated.

References:
Eosinophils as antigen-presenting cells in allergic upper airway disease. Akuthota, Praveen, Wang, Haibin, Weller, Peter. Current Opinion in Allergy & Clinical Immunology. 10(1):14-19, February 2010.
Eosinophils