Study uncovers mechanism responsible for pollen-induced allergies

When people are exposed to airborne allergens such as pollens, their immune system responds by sending neutrophils to the airways. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells that move quickly to a site of injury or invading infection and cause inflammation. Now, a mechanism that is central to becoming allergic to ragweed pollen and developing allergic asthma or seasonal nasal allergies has been identified by a new study.