Hypersensitivity reactions Flashcards
Introduction to hypersensitivity
Injurious or pathogenic, immune reactions are called hypersensitivity reactions
Same mechanisms as the normal response
-too intense
-directed against Ag that post no threat
-taking place at inappropriate locations
Originally classified in 4 types based on the principal immunologic mechanism that is responsible for tissue injury and disease
Type I hypersensitivity
Allergy or atopy
Type I hypersensitive cause antigen-allergen
no one knows for sure what drives type 1
Tendancy to develop allergies might be regulated by the intestinal microflora
Developed countries increase incidence of allergies
-changes in diet?
-use of antibiotics?
Type I hypersensitivity
- exaggerated Th2 response
- Overproduction of IL-4
- Excessive production of IgE
- IgE binds to Mast Cells
- Contact with allergen
- Mast cell degranulation
Key elements in excessive IgE production
Predisposed to generate Th2 cells
-IL-4 (produced in significant amount of mast cells), IL-5 and IL-13
leads to IgE synthesis
IgE receptors
FceRI -very high affinity -almost irreversible -2 forms -Found on mast cells, basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils FceRII (CD23) -low affinity
Overproduced IgE will bind to to mast cells and stay for a long time
People with allergies will respond quickly
Mast cells
Connective tissue, under mucosal surfaces and around nerves
Greater numbers skin, intestine and airways
Key role in inflammation
Several PRRs
-TLRs1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 and a mannose receptor (CD48)
activators of innate immune response
Mast cell degranulation
Degranulation is quick
Effects of mast cell degranulation
Vascular dilation, smooth muscle contration Tissue damage vascular dilation Smooth muscle contraction Inflammation (leukocyte recruitment)
Interleukin 33 (IL-33)
Important role in inflammation
Promotes Th2 responses leading to allergies
Smooth muscle cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts keratinocytes, dendritic cells, and activated macrophages
Induces mast cell degranulation in the presence of IgE
Clinical Type I hypersensitivity
Allergic anaphylaxis
- life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction
- clinical presentation varies according with the species
- Generalized mast cell degranulation and massive mediator release
Specific allergic disorders
Food allergies Atopic dermatitis Allergies to parasites Allergies to drugs Eosinophilic granuloma complex Milk allergy
Atopic dermatitis
A genetically predisposed inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease with characteristic clinical features. It is most commonly associated with IgE antibodies to environmental allergens
Chronic, multifactorial syndrome characterized by chronically inflamed and itchy skin
Common in dogs: retrievers, setters, terriers, etc
Recognized in cats, horses, and goats
Food allergies
Not the same as intolerance -> not immune-mediated
Only 10-30% will manifest GI problems from mild to severe
Most cases lead to skin problems (related to AD?)
Diagnosis of Type I hypersensitivity
Intradermal testing- usually preferred Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis (PCA) Measurement of IgR levels -ELISA, Western Blotting -low specificity
Type II hypersensitivity
Antibody-dependent cytotoxicity or cytotoxic hypersensitivity
Antibody recognizes antigen on cell surface
-complement-mediated or cell-mediated cytotoxicity
Mediated by IgG and IgM
Opsonization and phagocytosis
Complement and Fc receptor-mediated inflammation
Abnormal physiologic responses without cell/tissue injury
Incompatible blood transfusions
- Recipient carries antibodies for blood group antigens expressed on the donor RBCs
- Depending on the species: Ab without previous exposure