Autoimmunity and Hypersensitivity Flashcards
Define hypersensitivity
Components of immune system act in an exaggerated fashion to harmless environmental antigens
What is responsible for tissue damage in hypersensitivity?
The exaggerated immune response as opposed to the antigen itself
Which hypersensitivity mechanisms are mediated by antibodies?
1,2,3
What is the 4th type of of hypersensitivity caused by?
Th1 Cells
What is type 1 sensitivity also known as?
Allergy
How does allergy arise?
Inappropriate synthesis of IgE by the immune system
What are the different sources of environmental antigens that IgE is directed against?
Airborne, Ingested, Injected or encountered through skin contact
Is synthesis of IgE on its own enough to cause the clinical allergy?
No there are other factors involved such as Environmental influences, hormonal and neurological factors and immune regulatory factors
What is the word given for the production of excessively high levels of IgE to a harmless stimuli, but no related symptoms?
Atop, no allergy (which is the presence of associated symptoms)
What is the pathogenesis of type 1 hypersensitivity?
Allergen exposure,
Mast cell +allergen specific IgE
Release of inflammatory mediators (histamine - preformed and prostaglandins - newly formed)
What is type 2 hypersensitivity mediated by?
IgG or IgM antibodies - directed against antigens found on the surface of cells or fixed within certain tissues
In type two disorders, why is the distinction between hypersensitivity and autoimmunity slightly blurred?
Antigens can be exogenous or derived from self
How does damage to tissue arise after the antibody has bound to the relevant antigen?
Complement activation
Fc Binding of immunoglobulin and stimulation of phagocytes
Antibody dependant cellular cytoxicity
Effects on target cell function - inhibition of function, stimulation
How do clinical conditions arise with type 3 hypersensitivity?
Mediated by the actions of antibody - abnormal deposition of immune complexes in tissues
What is the source of antigen in type 3 hypersensitivity?
Exogenous or Self