Basophils are a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses, particularly in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.
The NF-kB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) pathway plays a significant role in the activation and function of basophils.
Basophils and NF-kB Activation
Role of NF-kB: NF-kB is a family of transcription factors that regulate the expression of various pro-inflammatory genes. In basophils, NF-kB activation is crucial for the production and release of cytokines and other mediators involved in allergic inflammation
IL-33 and NF-kB:
Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a cytokine that strongly activates NF-kB in basophils. This activation leads to the secretion of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-13, and IL-8, which are important in promoting allergic inflammation.
Signaling Pathways: While IL-33 activates NF-kB and shows a preference for the p38 MAP-kinase pathway, other cytokines like IL-3 act through different signaling pathways, such as Jak/Stat, and preferentially activate ERK
Understanding the role of NF-kB in basophils can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying allergic reactions and potential therapeutic targets for allergic diseases. |