Alterations in commensal bacteria are associated with an increased risk of allergic disease. David Artis and his colleagues now report that commensal-derived signals influence basophil development and TH2 cytokine–dependent allergic airway inflammation by suppressing serum IgE levels. Individuals with hyper IgE syndrome also have elevated circulating basophil numbers, suggesting a mechanistic link between commensal bacteria, B cell–mediated production of IgE and basophil hematopoiesis.
- David A Hill
- Mark C Siracusa
- David Artis
