CMI mediated by eosinophils aids in the elimination of helminths. Macrophages and neutrophils bind to microorganisms through receptors for antibodies, cellular glycoproteins, endotoxins, and complement components. As mentioned previously, macrophages and neutrophils share many of the same cidal substances, including enzymes and reactive oxygen metabolites .
Macrophages are a major source of cytokines .
A. Oxygen-dependent killing 1. Tetrahydrobiopterin is needed as a co-factor. Substance Action Cathepsin G Damage to membranes Low molecular weight defensins High molecular weight cationic proteins Bactericidal permeability increasing protein Lysozyme Splits mucopeptides in bacterial cell wall Lactoferrin Complexes with iron Proteolytic and hydrolytic enzymes Digestion of killed microbes C. Macrophage-derived cytokines 1. Acute phase response 2. This discussion will focus mainly on the cellular immune response to helminths, a response in which eosinophils, mast cells and basophils play the predominant role.