Exam 4 Flashcards
What are hypersensitivity/allergic reactions?
Adaptive immune responses to innocuous environmental antigens
What are allergens?
Antigens that cause allergic reactions
What is IgE involved in?
Defense against parasites and type I hypersensitivity reactions
In developing countries, what do IgE responses do?
Protect against helminth infections
In developing countries, what is the prevalence for allergies?
Low
In developed countries, what are IgE responses responsible for?
Type I hypersensitivity reactions
What are IgE responses directed at in developed countries?
Innocuous environmental antigens
Where are mast cells located?
In association with blood vessels and at epithelial surfaces
What does the primary exposure to an antigen result in?
Activation of Th2 cells and class switching to IgE
What does IgE bind to and do?
Binds to mast cells and sensitizes the mast cell to the allergen
What is the process for activation of IgE mediated type 1 allergic reactions? (4)
First exposure to pollen
Extraction of antigen
Activation of antigen-specific T cells
Production of IgE and its binding to mast cells
What happens due to the fact that mast cells are long lived?
They accrue a diversity of antibodies
What does the cross-linking of mast cell receptors result in?
Degranulation
What do mast cells responses act to? (2)
Physically expel the pathogen
Recruit and activate other effector cells
What are eosinophils home to?
Sites of allergic reactions
When are eosinophils produced in greater numbers?
During immune stimulation
What are 2 effector functions of eosinophils?
Release cytotoxic molecules to damage pathogen
Amplify inflammatory response
What can the response of a sensitized individual to intradermal allergen or inhaled allergen be divided into?
The immediate reaction and the late-phase reaction
What is the immediate reaction due to?
Release of pre-formed mast cell inflammatory mediators
What do edema and reddening of skin result in during the immediate reaction?
Wheal and flare reaction
What do edema and constriction of smooth muscle result in during the immediate reaction?
Airway narrowing
What is the late phase reaction caused by?
Continuous synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators
What happens with edema in late-phase reaction?
Increased area and degree
What happens with airway narrowing in late-phase reaction?
Second phase