When Cells Attack!

The cells of our immune system are the guardians of the human body, forever contending with various unwelcome intruders from viruses to drugs to lowly yet painful splinters. They are as industrious as they are indispensable. Each cell of the immune system has its own objective, its own do-or-die mission. Some of our guardians devour bacteria and fungi in a process known as phagocytosis. Others produce carefully tailored antibodies earmarked for the destruction of pathogenic organisms. A few of these cells are loaded with noxious granules that can erupt from the cell, unleashing enzymes, peroxides, and immune-modulating molecules in everything from pollen grains to parasites to peanuts. Eosinophils are in this last class of microscopic warfare. Eosinophils get a bad rap for their role in instigating the symptoms of asthma and allergies. Upon exposure to, say, cat dander, the eosinophil cells of allergy sufferers discharge their toxic contents provoking dripping ...