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Keyword: basophils

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  • Obscure Immune Cells Thwart Ticks

    07/30/2010 11:36:13 PM PDT · by neverdem · 11 replies · 2+ views
    ScienceNOW ^ | July 26, 2010 | Mitch Leslie
    Enlarge Image Resistance isn't futile. Immune cells called basophils help prevent ticks from drinking their fill of blood Credit: Thinkstock Rare in the body and hard to study, immune cells called basophils have long gotten short shrift from researchers. But a study now shows that basophils help repel bloodthirsty ticks that can spread lethal diseases. The work also introduces a new method for teasing out further immune functions of the often-overlooked cells. Many animals develop some resistance to ticks the first time the parasites feast on their blood. During later feedings, fewer ticks latch on to resistant animals, and...