17 Immunology III: Disorders of the Immune System (allergies, autoimmunity, etc.) Flashcards
Three categories of immune sys defects?
- Hypersensitivity
- Immunodeficiency
- Autoimmunity
Define hypersensitivity
Overactive, harmful response to foreign antigens
Define immunodeficiency
Failure to mount an adequate immune response to foreign antigen
Define Autoimmunity
A harmful response to “self” antigens
What is the 2-stage process that causes hypersensitivity rxns?
i) First exposure to the Ag “sensitizes” the person to the Ag
ii) Second exposure to same Ag results in a strong immune reaction
Another name for the sensitizing antigen in hypersensitivity rxns?
“Allergen”
What is an allergen?
A normally harmless foreign antigen (eg. foods, pollen, nuts, etc.)
that can trigger an overly aggressive immune response
Two categories of hypersensitivity rxns? What do ea. involve?
- Immediate hypersensitivity (involves antigen, antibody, and various cells)
- Delayed hypersensitivity (involves antigen and T-cells only [no antibody])
What’re other names for “immediate hypersensitivity”?
- Type I hypersensitivity
- Anaphylactic rxns
- Alleries
What specific antibodies and cells does immediate hypersensitivity involve?
IgE antibodies and various “granulated” cells
eg. Basophils, Eosinophils, but mainly mast cells
What do mast cells carry inside them?
Numerous granules containing inflammatory chemicals (histamine, proteases, heparin, etc.)
Where’re mast cells found?
Tissues close to body surfaces (skin, airways, GI tract, etc.)
Mast cells strongly bind ____ to its cell surface during Type I hypersensitivity
IgE
In immediate hypersensitivity, what events does an allergen trigger during the 1st contact?
B-cells > IgE produced > IgE binds to surface of mast cells and “sensitizes” them
In immediate hypersensitivity, what events does an allergen trigger during the 2nd contact w/ identical allergen?
Allergen binds to IgE on sensitized mast cell > Mast cell “degranulates” and releases various inflammatory chemicals
Two types of anaphylaxes? Where do ea. occur?
- Localized (atopic) anaphylaxis
>occurs only at site where allergen enters body - Generalized (systemic) anaphylaxis
>occurs throughout the body
What occurs during an anaphylactic shock? What type of anaphylaxis is this associated w/?
- Airways constrict
- Leakage of fluids from capillaries > tissue swelling and serious drop in blood pressure due to lg histamine release
Anaphylactic shock is associated w/ generalized (systemic) anaphylaxis.
How are atopic and/or mild systemic rxns treated? (3)
- anti-histamines
- steroids and bronchodilators > reduce inflammation and open airways
- Mast cell stabilizers (e.g. Cromolyn) > prevents degranulation
How is an anaphylactic shock treated?
Epinephrine > relaxes smooth muscles and reduces vascular permeability
What does desensitization immunotherapy involve?
Expose pt to increasing amts of allergen over time
How are allergy testing conducted?
Suspected allergen is administered underneath skin > examine for inflammation after 20-30 mins
Why isn’t everyone hypersensitive to one or more allergens?
- genetics
- failure to regulate IgE production
- “Hygiene hypothesis” > lack of early childhood exposure to dirt and microbes leads to a weaker, less trained immune sys
How many adults think they’re allergic to a food? What’s the actual statistic?
25% think they’re allergic
3-4% have an actual immune sys hypersensitivity
Delayed hypersensitivity synonym?
Type IV hypersensitivity
What does a delayed (Type IV) hypersensitivity rxn involve?
allergen and T-cells ONLY
Why do delayed hypersensitivity rxns take longer (>24h)?
T-cell response takes a while to become fully active
What occurs during the 1st exposure to allergen during a delayed hypersensitivity rxn?
Exposure to allergen causes Th cell activation and production of memory Th cells
What occurs during the 2nd exposure to allergen during a delayed hypersensitivity rxn?
Memory Th cells respond and release cytokines > attracts macrophages and cytotoxic T-cells to site of allergen > tissue damage, inflammation, etc.
What is type of test is used to test for sensitization to Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test)