Question

What are 2 other cell types that the basophil cell interacts with, the results of that interaction and why they’re important. Please give detailed descriptions.

I was considering t cell, mast cell or b cells?

Answer 1

Basophil cell interacts with B cells and T cells. Whenever an allergen enters the body, B cell recognise it and produce antibodies against it. B cell activation is associated with T_{​​​​​​H}​​​​​2 cells as they provide co-stimulatory signal for their activation. Firstly antibodies produced are IgM by plasma B cells as allergens are hydrophilic and enters the blood. Then class switching takes place and IgM are converted to IgE antibodies for which Fc receptors are present on basophils and mast cells. Since, basophils have less concentration in blood, so mast cells have more role in allergic reactions. IgE binds with the Fc receptors present on basophils as well as on mast cells and activate them. This process is called sensitization when allergen enters first time. Now, if the same allergen enters second time, the IgE antibody bound basophils or mast cells will recognise the allergen and the primary (like histamines) and secondary mediators (like prostaglandins) will be released which is called as degranulation and cause allergic reaction.