Intracellular signaling pathways in human eosinophil activation: Role of a β₂ integrin, α(M)β₂

Cellular adhesion is crucial roles for eosinophil effector functions such as degranulation. Here, we focused on the role of a β₂ integrin, α(M)β₂, in intracellular signaling pathways of human eosinophil activation. We found that the ligation of α(M)β₂ triggers the activation of an intracellular signaling cascade, including protein tyrosine phosphorylation and phosphoinositide turnover, and subsequent cellular degranulation in human eosinophils. These signaling events may play important roles in adhesion-dependent cellular functions of eosinophils.