Final answer:
The Major Basic Protein (MBP), a potent anti-helminthic toxin, is released from eosinophils, which are a type of white blood cell active against parasitic worms. Eosinophils participate in immune responses by discharging toxins like MBP to combat infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Basic Protein (MBP) and Eosinophils
The Major Basic Protein (MBP) is a potent anti-helminthic toxin that is released from eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell known as granulocytes that stain with eosin during microscopic examination. Their primary functions include the release of antihistamines and acting vigorously against parasitic worms. In combating helminthic infections, these cells are involved in immune responses by discharging MBP, which can damage or kill the parasites.
Eosinophils derive from myeloid stem cells in the bone marrow and are part of the body’s immune arsenal. They exhibit granules that contain various toxic proteins, including MBP, which plays a significant role in the defense against helminthic infections. Importantly, MBP's release is a critical mechanism by which eosinophils contribute to the immune system's ability to combat parasitic infections.