68 - Immunopathology Flashcards
Types of hypersensitivity
Type 1 - Immediate type (IgE, mast cells, lipid mediators)
Type 2 - Antibody mediated (IgM, IgG bound to antigen)
Type 3 - Immune complex (IgM, IgG complex deposition)
Type 4 - Delayed type hypersensitivity (CD4+ mediated)
Aspects of atopy
1)
2)
3)
1) High levels of IgE
2) Large numbers of eosinophils
3) Large numbers of Il-4-secreting Th2 cells
Allergy
Immune-mediated inflammatory response to common environmental antigens that are otherwise harmless
Relationship between [IgE] and atopy
Positive correlation. Those at risk of anaphylactic shock have more IgE than those predisposed to hayfever.
Common features of allergens 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)
1) Individuals are repeatedly exposed to allergens via mucosal route
2) Allergens are highly soluble proteins, carried by small particles (if inhaled)
3) If ingested, slowly-degraded molecules
4) Very stable
5) High solubility in body fluids
6) Introduced in very low doses
Adaptive immune response induced by allergens
Th2
Examples of type 1 reactions 1) 2) 3) 4)
1) Systemic anaphylaxis (EG: antibiotics, venoms, peanuts)
2) Allergic rhinitis (pollen, dust mites)
3) Asthma (blockage of the airways)
4) Food allergens
Phases of type 1 allergic response
1)
2)
1) Sensitisation
2) Response (have an immediate and a delayed phase)
Sensitisation
1)
2)
3)
1) Low dose antigen through mucosal route promotes Th2 activation (IL-4 stimulates Th2 differentiation)
2) Th2 release IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13
3) IL-5 stimulates IgE isotype switching
What releases IL-4?
Th2 cells, basophils
What do DCs release to stimulate Th2 bias?
IL-33, which recruits basophils, which then release IL-4
How do DCs bias to Th2?
Indirectly, through recruiting basophils with IL-33.
Basophils then release IL-4, which biases Th2 differentiation
Locations of mast cells
Mucosal, epithelial tissues, near blood vessels
Effects of mast cell IgE crosslinking
1)
2)
1) Degranulation
2) Synthesis of inflammatory lipid mediators, cytokines and chemokines
Preformed mediators in mast cells
Histamine
Lipid mediators synthesised by mast cells
Leukotrienes, prostaglandins
Cytokines synthesised and secreted by mast cells
IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 (Th2-type cytokines)
Immediate phase of allergy
1)
2)
3)
1) Redness - vasodilation
2) Soft swelling - oedema
3) Dependent upon IgE
Soluble mediator phase
Late phase of allergy
1)
2)
1) Hard swelling - accumulation of leukocytes
2) Neutrophil, Th2, eosinophil infiltration
Cellular phase
Wheal
Localised swelling around allergic challenge
How long after challenge does late phase occur?
8-12 hours
Effect of allergy on GIT
1) Increased fluid secretion
2) Increased peristalsis
3) Leads to diarrhoea, vomiting