Basophils play a critical role in the development of IgE-mediated chronic allergic inflammation independently of T cells and mast cells

The recruitment of basophils into the sites of allergic inflammation is often observed. However, no definitive evidence has been provided that basophils are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of chronic allergic disorders. Here, we show that basophils are responsible for the development of IgE-mediated chronic allergic inflammation independently of T cells and mast cells. A single subcutaneous injection of multivalent antigens elicited not only immediate and late-phase ear swelling but also delayed-onset ear swelling with massive eosinophil infiltration in mice sensitized with antigen-specific IgE. Mast cells were essential for the immediate and late-phase ear swelling but dispensable for the delayed one. T cells were also dispensable for the latter. Transfer of FC epsilon RI-expressing basophils into Fc epsilon RI-deficient mice restored the development of the delayed-onset allergic inflammation. These findings indicate a novel mechanism of development of chronic allergic inflammation that is induced by basophils through the interaction of antigen, IgE, and Fc epsilon RI.