What is the function of eosinophils?

Jun 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I went for a comprehensive full-body medical examination, and one of the test results in my lab report was about eosinophils. I would like to know what the function of eosinophils is.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Eosinophils, as an important type of white blood cell in the human body, have functions mainly reflected in the following aspects: 1. **Anti-parasitic infection:** Eosinophils can secrete various proteases and cytotoxic substances to kill parasites, thus playing a key role in resisting parasitic infections. 2. **Participation in allergic reactions:** During allergic reactions, eosinophil counts usually increase. By releasing inflammatory mediators and other mechanisms, they participate in and amplify allergic responses. 3. **Phagocytosis of bacteria and parasites:** They contain numerous eosinophilic granules capable of engulfing foreign substances such as invading bacteria and parasites, thereby protecting the body from external threats. 4. **Regulation of immune responses:** Changes in eosinophil counts reflect the intensity of the body's immune response to different stimuli, making them an important component of the immune system.