What is the main role of eosinophils in the immune response?

The primary function of eosinophils in the immune response is to participate in allergic reactions and combat parasitic infections. These specialized white blood cells are particularly effective against larger parasites, such as helminths, that cannot be easily phagocytosed by other immune cells. Eosinophils contain granules filled with cytotoxic proteins and mediators, which are released in response to allergens or invading parasites. This release helps modulate allergic inflammatory responses and can also be involved in tissue damage and remodeling associated with chronic allergic conditions.

Eosinophils play a pivotal role in the body's defense against parasites, where their activation leads to the release of substances that can damage the parasite's membrane, facilitating its destruction. Additionally, by releasing cytokines and chemokines, eosinophils contribute to the recruitment and activation of other immune cells, amplifying the immune response in the context of allergies and parasitic infections.

The other functions highlighted in the options are characteristic of different types of immune cells. For instance, neutrophils are primarily involved in responding to bacterial infections, while B cells are the ones responsible for antibody production. Macrophages and other cells are crucial during the healing phase of inflammation, not eosinophils directly. Thus,