S1) Hypersensitivity Flashcards
Define the term hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity describes the antigen-specific immune responses that are either inappropriate or excessive and result in harm to host
What is the main similarity between hypersensitive immune response and the normal immune response?
The mechanisms underlying hypersensitive immune responses are the same as those employed by the host to fight infections
What are the two types of triggers for hypersensitivity?
- Hypersensitivity to exogenous antigens
- Hypersensitivity to intrinsic antigens
Identify the types of exogenous antigens which trigger the immune system
- Non-infectious substance (innocuous)
- Infectious microbes
- Drugs e.g. penicillin
Identify the types of intrinsic antigens which trigger the immune system
- Infectious microbes (mimicry)
- Self antigens (auto-immunity)
Identify the type if hypersensitivity reactions
- Type I / immediate (Allergy)
- Type II / antiBody mediated
- Type III / immune Complexes mediated
- Type IV / cell mediated (Delayed)
What are the two phases that occur in hypersensitvity reactions
- Sensitisation phase
- Effector phase
What is the sensitisation phase?
- First encounter with the antigen.
- Activation of APCs and memory effector cells.
- A previously exposed individual to the antigen is said to be “sensitized”
What is the effector phase?
Pathologic reaction upon re-exposure to the same antigen and activation of the memory cells of the adaptive immunity
Which antigens are involved in Type I hypersensitivity?
Environmental non infectious antigens
How long does it take for type II hypersensitivity to be triggered?
Which antibodies are involved?
- Usually develops within 5-12 hr
- Involves IgG or IgM antibodies
Identify the targets of type II hypersensitivity reactions
Targets cell bound antigens:
- Exogenous - Blood group antigens, Rhesus D antigens
- Endogenous - self antigens
Identify the outcomes of type II hypersensitivity reactions
Induces different outcomes:
- Tissue/cell damage
- Physiological change
Which two mechanisms lead to tissue/cell damage in type II hypersensitivity?
What are examples of clinical diseases for each of these mechanisms of type II hypersensitivity?
- Complement activation (cell lysis, neutrophil recruitment activation, opsonisation) -> examples:
1. Haemolytic disease of the newborn (antigen = Rhesus D)
2. Transfusion reactions (antigen = ABO system) - Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (Natural Killer cells)
1. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
2. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
3. Goodpasture’s syndrome
Briefly, describe the processes involved in complement activation
- Cell lysis (MAC - Membrane attack complex)
- Neutrophil recruitment/activation (C3a/C5a)
- Opsonisation (C3b)
Haemolytic transfusion reaction is an example of disease caused by type II hypersensitivity. What happens in this condition?
- Incompatibility in the ABO group or rhesus D antigens
- Donor RBC destroyed by recipient’s immune system
- RBC lysis induced by type II hypersensitivity (IgM)
What are the outcomes of the haemolytic transfusion reaction
- Shock
- Kidney failure
- Circulatory collapse
- Death
Haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is another example of disease caused by type II hypersensitivity. What happens?
- Involves Rhesus D antigen
- Mismatch between mother(Rh-) and child (Rh+)
- Rh+ antigens from the fetus enter the mother’s blood during delivery
- Anti-Rh Antibodies are produced by mother against Rh+ antigen
- After 2nd pregnancy, IgG antibodies cross placenta and cause HDN - damage the red blood cells of her second Rh+ fetus
Which three mechanisms lead to physiological damage in type II hypersensitivity?
Give examples of resulting diseases for each mechanism
- Receptor stimulation
- Receptor blockade
Identify and describe two conditions resulting in induced physiological change in type II hypersensitivity?
- Graves’ disease: increased thyroid activity, antigen is TSH receptor
- Myasthenia gravis: impaired neuromuscular signalling, antigen is ACh receptor
Identify and describe 4 therapeutic approaches used for tissue/cell damage induced by type II hypersensitivity
- Immune suppression for complement activation
- Plasmapheresis for circulating antibodies and inflammatory mediators
- Splenectomy for opsonisation/Phagocytosis
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for IgG degradation
Identify and describe 2 therapeutic approaches used for physiological damage induced by type II hypersensitivity
- Correct metabolism: receptor stimulation -> therefore give anti-thyroid drugs in Graves’ disease, or thyroidectomy
- Replacement therapy: receptor blockade. Give pyridostigmine in Myasthenia gravis, or Vit B12 in pernicious anaemia
How long does it take for type III hypersensitivity to be triggered?
Which antibodies are involved?
- Usually develops within 3-8hr
- Involves immune complexes between IgG or IgM antibodies
What are the targets of type III hypersensitivity?
Targets soluble antigens:
- Foreign (Infection)
- Endogenous (self antigens)
What causes tissue damage in type III hypersensitivity?
Tissue damage caused by immune complex deposition
What are the 4 key factors in type III hypersensitivity pathogenesis?
- Complex size
- Host response
- Local tissue factors
- Persistence of antigen