Which white blood cell is most commonly associated with allergic reactions?

The white blood cell most commonly associated with allergic reactions is the basophil. Basophils play a crucial role in the body's response to allergens. When an allergen enters the body, basophils release histamine and other chemical mediators, which contribute to the symptoms commonly associated with allergies, such as swelling, redness, and itching. This release of histamine is key to the inflammatory response seen in allergic reactions and helps to recruit other immune cells to the site of allergen exposure.

While eosinophils are also involved in allergic responses, particularly in the later phases and in conditions like asthma and certain chronic allergic conditions, basophils are the primary cells that initiate the immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Neutrophils primarily respond to bacterial infections and do not have a significant role in allergies. Lymphocytes participate in the adaptive immune response but are more involved in chronic allergic reactions and immune regulation rather than the immediate allergic reaction characteristics. Therefore, basophils are the most relevant white blood cells in the context of acute allergic responses.