Cytokines in the modulation of eosinophilia

In this review we discuss our recently results showing interleukin 5 (IL-5) involvement in eosinophil migration and in the maintenance of eosinophilia in blood, bone marrow, lung and peritoneal cavity, in a visceral larva migrans syndrome model using guinea-pigs infected with Toxocara canis. We also describe the sequential release of TNF-a and IL-8 during the course of infection, and the interaction between these cytokines and IL-5 during infection. Finally, we propose a new biological role for IL-5, at least in our model, as a modulator of IL-8 release and secretion.