Immuno 16 Flashcards
What is Type I Hypersensitivity?
IgE-dependent triggering of mast cells
What is Type II Hypersensitivity?
IgG antibody that is reactive with cell-surface or matrix antigens
What is Type III Hypersensitivity?
Involves production of antigen-antibody complexes
What is Type IV Hypersensitivity?
T cell-mediated hypersensitivity
What cells can induce class switching from IgM to IgE for Type I Hypersensitivity?
TH2 cells
What are allergens?
antigens that selectively stimulate TH2 cells that drive an IgE response
What are common properties of allergens?
Small proteins
Soluble
Carried on desiccated particles
In order to be a Type I Hypersensitivity, initial response must be what Ig response?
IgE
How do TH2 cells stimulate class switching to IgE?
Effector TH2 cells deliver signals to favor class switching in B lymphocytes to IgE. Once the TCR of TH2 becomes ligated, TH2 CELLS: produce IL4,5,13 upregulated surface expression of CD40L and CD23 (low affinity receptor for IgE) The combination of these signals induces class switching to IgE
Type I Hypersensitivity reactions are generally initiated by what cell?
Mast cells (with eosinophils and basophils involved)
What three cell types have IgE receptor FcgammaR1
Mast cells, eosinophils and basophils
How does IgE work in mast cells, eosinophils and basophils?
The IgE receptor becomes cross-linked by the antigen, which triggers the cell to degranulate, causing an inflammatory reaction
What are the two tests of testing an individual’s sensitivity to a particular allergen?
1st: injection of allergen to see a characteristic inflammatory reaction known as wheal and flare (appx 30 min duration)
2nd: 6-8 hrs post injxn, late phase rxn occurs at injxn site with widespread swelling, mediated by leukotrienes, chemokines and cytokines produced by mast cells following IgE-mediated activation
What is systemic anaphylaxis?
Wide-spread activation of mast cells degranulation causing both increase in vascular permeability and widespread constriction of smooth muscle. Caused by allergens in the blood.
What is anaphylaxis vs prophylaxis?
Anti-protection vs protection by the immune response. Basically fatal vs helpful
How can potential allergens be introduced directly to the blood?
Insect bite, drug injections, food or drugs that are rapidly absorbed
What is the most common cause of anaphylaxis?
IgE-mediated allergy to penicillin or other drugs (100 fatalities/yr)
What is an anaphalactoid reaction?
Resembles anaphylaxis but no interaction between allergen and IgE.
What is allergic rhinitis?
Hay fever, mild allergic response with violent bursts of sneezing and runny nose in response to inhaled allergens
What is allergic asthma?
More serious that hay fever (allergic rhinitis), causing chronic breathing difficulties. Characterized by increased fluid into respiratory tract. Overall effect is trapping of air in lungs.
Is chronic asthma a type IV hypersensitivity reaction?
YES
What is urticaria?
Hives, caused by release of histamine by mast cells
What is angioedema?
Inflammation caused by mast cell activation in deep subcu tissue. Swelling is more diffuse than urticaria.
What are three strategies used to reduce the effects of allergic disease?
- Modification - of behavior and environment
- Pharmacological - drugs that reduce impace of contact with allergen (antihistamines, corticosteroids, cromolyn sulfate, epinephrine)
- Immunological - prevent production of IgE, shifting towards IgG response