What percentage of the immune response do eosinophils contribute to during a parasitic infection?

Eosinophils play a vital role in the immune response, particularly during parasitic infections, as they are specialized white blood cells that target larger parasites that are too big for phagocytosis, such as helminths. While eosinophils are not the predominant immune cells involved in all aspects of the immune response, they are particularly significant in combating parasitic infections and in mediating allergic reactions.

The percentage of the immune response that eosinophils contribute to during a parasitic infection is often cited as approximately 10%. This percentage reflects their specialized role and activation during such infections, distinguishing their contribution from that of other immune cells like neutrophils and lymphocytes. It's important to recognize the efficacy of eosinophils’ actions, which include releasing cytotoxic granules that can damage parasites as well as producing inflammatory mediators that facilitate the immune response.

In this context, the choice indicating that eosinophils contribute 10% aligns with well-established immunological principles regarding their function and involvement in host defenses against specific pathogens, particularly parasitic agents. Understanding the specific contributions of various immune cells helps clarify how the body organizes its responses during different types of infections.