Which type of white blood cell is primarily involved in allergic reactions?

Eosinophils are primarily involved in allergic reactions and respond to parasitic infections and asthma as well. They play a crucial role in the inflammatory response associated with allergies. When an allergen is introduced into the body, eosinophils are activated and migrate to the site of the allergic reaction. They release granules containing enzymes and toxic proteins that help combat allergens and may contribute to the inflammatory process.

In addition to their role in allergy, eosinophils are particularly important in response to certain types of infections, predominantly those caused by parasites, and are often elevated in conditions like asthma and hay fever. This involvement makes eosinophils a key player in the hypersensitivity reactions that characterize allergic conditions.

Understanding this function is important as it connects the immune system's response mechanisms to clinical conditions related to allergies, illustrating how eosinophils contribute to both beneficial and potentially harmful outcomes in allergic disorders.