Which cells are primarily involved in the late-phase reaction of allergic rhinitis?

The late-phase reaction of allergic rhinitis is characterized by a more prolonged inflammatory response that typically occurs hours after the initial exposure to an allergen. During this phase, eosinophils and T cells play crucial roles. Eosinophils are inflammatory cells that are recruited to the site of the allergic reaction and contribute to tissue damage and inflammation by releasing various mediators, such as cytokines and leukotrienes. T cells, especially T helper 2 (Th2) cells, are instrumental in orchestrating the immune response by producing specific cytokines that promote the activation and recruitment of eosinophils as well as other inflammatory cells, which perpetuate the late-phase allergic response.

This phase contrasts with the early-phase reaction where mast cells and histamines are primarily involved, while neutrophils and dendritic cells are more associated with other types of immune responses rather than the specific late-phase reaction in allergic rhinitis. B cells and plasma cells are primarily involved in the production of antibodies, which is more relevant to the initial sensitization phase rather than the late-phase inflammation response. Thus, the inclusion of eosinophils and T cells highlights the role they play in sustaining the inflammatory process in allergic rhinitis.