Innovative Research Identifies Rare Immune Cells as Potential Breakthrough in Treating ARDS

Recent scientific advancements have uncovered a promising new avenue for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe and often fatal lung condition. Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo have found that basophils, a relatively rare subset of white blood cells typically linked to allergic reactions, may play a crucial role in aiding recovery from ARDS. In their experimental studies using a mouse model, they observed that basophils release interleukin-4 (IL-4), a cytokine that helps suppress the inflammatory activity of neutrophils—another type of white blood cell involved in lung inflammation.

The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, demonstrated that mice lacking basophils experienced worse lung damage, increased inflammation, and slower recovery. Conversely, when IL-4 was produced by basophils, it acted directly on neutrophils to inhibit the expression of inflammatory genes and promote cell death, leading to reduced lung inflammation and better healing.

This discovery challenges previous assumptions that viewed basophils solely as 'bad actors' in immune responses, highlighting their beneficial role during the resolution phase of ARDS. The findings suggest potential new therapies that could target the basophil–IL-4–neutrophil pathway to enhance recovery in ARDS patients. However, the researchers note that the source of IL-4 in human ARDS remains unknown, representing an important area for future investigation.

ARDS is characterized by fluid buildup in the alveoli, impairing oxygen exchange and often resulting from severe infections like pneumonia, COVID-19, or sepsis. Despite advances in intensive care, mortality rates remain high, and effective targeted treatments are still lacking. This groundbreaking research opens the door for developing therapies that harness the immune-modulating capabilities of basophils to improve patient outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-rare-immune-cells-acute-respiratory.html