Immunology II Flashcards
Define: hypersensitivity rxn
- Exaggerated, inappropriate immunologic rxn that is harmful to the host
- Subsequent exposure
Define: sensitivity
1st exposure to antigen w/ immune response (antibody)
Type I action
- 1st exposure to antigen –> IgE formation
- IgE binds to mast cells & basophils
- Subsequent exposure – > antigen binds to IgE
- Degranulation of mast cells
- Release of mediators (histamine)
Type I result
- Increased vascular permeability
- Edema
- SM contraction
Type I timing
Minutes
Type I manifestations
- Edema
- Erythema
- Itching
- Urticaria
- Eczema
- Rhinitis
- Conjunctivitis
- Asthma
- Systemic anaphylaxis
- Food/drug allergies
- Hay fever
Allergic response
- During sensitization, APC presents allergen presents to Th2 cell, which helps B cell become a plasma cell.
- Plasma cells produce IgE, which binds to mast cells.
- When allergen returns, mast cells release histamine
- Th2 cells release chemicals that attract inflammatory cells
Allergic response results in what?
Allergy sx
- Sneezing
- Mucus, runny nose
- Swelling
- Itching
- Coughing, wheezing
What is the effect of histamine?
- Vasodilation
- Increased capillary permeability
- SM contraction
What is the emergency concern of anaphylaxis?
- Airway
- Hypotension
- Shock
What is the emergency tx for anaphylaxis?
- Epinephrine
- Antihistamine
- Steroid
Anaphylaxis prevention
- Antihistamine
- H2 blocker
- Avoid allergen
- Immunosuppression therapy w/ allergy shots
What is the rationale of desensitization?
Tiny amount of antigen over long period of time to blunt rxn
What infections may exacerbate asthma?
- Flu
- PNA
Most common food allergies (90%)
- Milk
- Egg
- Fish (bass, flounder, cod)
- Shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp)
- Tree nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- Wheat
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
*Also consider fruits, preservatives, dyes.
Type I hypersensitivity common presentation
- Facial edema
- Systemic histamine release in anaphylaxis:
˚ Hypotension
˚ Nausea
˚ Hives
˚ Swollen hands/feet
Type II (cytotoxic) hypersensitivity rxn
- Antibody mediated cytotoxic rxn
- Antigens on cells or in ECM (endogenous or exogenously absorbed)
Type II action
Antigens on cell surface combine w/ IgG antibodies –> complement-mediated lysis of cells
Type II time of onset
Hours to days
Type II manifestations
- Hemolytic anemia
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- ABO transfusion rxns
- Rh incompatibility (erythroblastosis fetalis, hemolytic disease of the newborn)
- Rheumatic fever
- Goodpasture’s syndrome
Hemolytic anemia (Type II)
- Antibody attaches to antigen on RBC
- Complement mediated lysis via MAC
- Complement attracts phagocytes
Type III (Immune complex) hypersensitivity
- Antigen–antibody immune complexes are deposited in tissues –> inflammatory response
- Complement is activated & PMN cells are attracted to the site –> release of lysosomal enzymes –> tissue damage
Type III time of onset
2-3 wks
Type III manifestations
- SLE
- RA
- Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis
- IgA nephropathy
- Serum sickness
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (farmer’s lung)
SLE (Type III)
- Antibodies formed to DNA & nucleus
- Antibodies form immune complexes that activate complement –> production of C5a –> attracts neutrophils –> release enzymes –> damage tissue
RA (Type III)
- Serum & synovial fluid contain “rheumatoid factor” (IgM & IgG antibodies that bind to the Fc fragment IgG)
- Deposits of immune complexes (containing the normal IgG & Rh) on synovial membranes & in blood vessels
- Activate complement & attract PMN cells –> inflammation.
- Pts have high titers of Rh & low titers of complement in serum (esp. during periods when disease is most active)
Type IV: Delayed (Cell-mediated) hypersensitivity
- T lymphocytes, activated/sensitized by an antigen, release lymphokines upon 2nd contact w/ same antigen
- Lymphokines induce inflammation & activate macrophages –> release of inflammatory mediators.
Type IV time of onset
2-3 days
Type IV manifestations
- Contact dermatitis
- Poison oak/ivy
- TB skin test rxn
- Drug rash
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Erythema multiforme
Type IV continued
- Macrophage ingests antigen, processes it, & presents an epitope on its surface in association w/ class II MHC
- Helper T (Th-1) cell is activated & produces gamma interferon –> activates macrophages
- These 2 cells mediate delayed hypersensitivity