Immunology - Clinical Immunology Flashcards
what is hypersensitivity?
an exaggerated or inappropriate immune response that causes disease
what type of hypersensitivity are allergic reactions?
type I
describe the general mechanism that all hypersensitivity reactions follow
first contact with antigen “sensitizes” the pt to that Ag generating an immune response second contact with antigen causes hypersensitivity
What is a type I hypersensitivity and how does it cause a reaction?
aka “allergies”
immediate reaction to an antigen - minutes
pre-formed IgE Ab’s from 1º exposure bound to mast cells
Ag binds and cross links IgE Mast cell degranulates and release its contents (histamine)
in type I hypersensitivity individuals make _____Ab’s to Ag’s, whereas most people will make _____ Ab’s
IgE
IgG
How do you get IgE antibodies?
B cell class switching
What cell type triggers B cell class switching?
Th2 - humoral response
What is the key cytokine for IgE production?
IL-4
what does IL-4 do?
triggers B cell class switching to produce IgE
Why is complement not involved in a type I hypersensitivity rxn?
because IgE does not activate complement
Sx of Type I hypersensitivity of… skin resp. tract eye GI tract
Skin: Urticaria (hives)
Resp: Rhinitis, wheezing (asthma)
Eyes: conjunctivitis
GI: diarrhea
what is anaphylaxis?
systemic type I hypersensitivity reaction
what Sx does anaphylaxis cause?
itching, diffuse hives/erythema
resp. distress from bronchoconstriction
hoarseness - laryngeal swelling/edema
vomiting, cramps, diarrhea
can lead to shock and death
What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?
epinephrine
How does epinephrine treat anaphylaxis?
vasoconstrict to raise the BP
dilate bronchioles
What is Atopy? (Ah-toe-pee)
genetic predisposition to localized hypersensitivity
give examples of a type I hypersensitivity rx
asthma
penicillin drug allergy
seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis)
allergic conjunctivitis
peanut allergy (children)
shellfish (food allergy)
what are the 2 “waves” of hypersensitivity seen in type I?
early Sx - within minutes
late Sx - 6 hrs later
what are the early Sx of type I HS?
edema
redness
swelling
Why do you get the Sx’s seen in early type I HS?
degranulation of mast cell causes release of pre-formed mediators (histamine) synthesis/release of leukotrienes and prostaglandins
What are the late Sx of type I HS?
induration
what causes the Sx seen in late type I HS?
synthesis/release of cytokines
influx of inflammatory cells (neutrophils, eosinophils)
what are the mediators of type I HS?
histamine
leukotrienes
PG’s
thromboxane
what effect does histamine have in a type I HS rxn?
vasodilation (warmth)
increased permeability of venules (swelling)
smooth muscle contraction (bronchospasm)
What type I mediators are derived from arachidonic acid?
leukotrienes
prostaglandins
thromboxanes
Of what class of signaling molecules are leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and thromboxanes?
Eicosanoids
what are eicosanoids derived from?
lipids in the cell membrane of cells by the enzyme phospholipase A2
PLA2 pulls lipids from the membrane to form arachadonic acid
what enzyme is used to convert arachadonic acid to leukotrienes?
lipoxygenase
what enzyme is used to convert arachadonic acid to prostaglandins and thromboxanes?
cycloxygenase
what does lipoxygenase synthesize?
leukotrienes
what does cycloxygenase synthesize?
prostaglandins
thromboxanes
what are the major eicosanoids seen in type I HS?
PGE2
PGD2
LTC4/LTD4
LTB4
what does PGE2 do?
vasodilation = redness increased vascular permeability = edema raise temp set point in hypothalamus = fever sensitizes nerves = pain
what does PGD2 do?
bronchoconstriction
eosinophil
infiltration
what does LTC4/LTD4 do?
vasoconstriction
bronchoconstriction
what does LTB4 do?
neutrophil/eosinophil chemotaxis
what are other type I mediators?
ECF-A
serotonin
platelet activating factor
neutral proteases (chemise, tryptase)
heparin (anticoagulant)
What is ECF-A and how is it involved in type I HS?
eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis
preformed in mast cells attracts eosinophils (various roles)
how is serotonin involved in type I HS?
preformed in mast cells causes vasodilation
how is platelet activating factor involved in type I HS?
bronchoconstriction