U3 L2 Hypersensitivity I Flashcards
What is the definition of hypersensitivity?
a set of undesirable reactions (exaggerated response) produced by the normal immune system in response to an antigen
causes tissue damage
What is hypersensitivity mediated by?
adaptive immune system - cannot be manifested upon the very first contact with an antigen
What is the common term for type I hypersensitivity?
immediate
What antibody mediates type I hypersensitivity?
IgE monomers
What are examples of type I hypersensitivity?
atopy, anaphylaxis (extreme end) (allergies)
What is another term for Type II hypersensitivity?
What antibodies mediate type II?
Cytotoxic
IgG/IgM monomers
What is another term for Type III hypersensitivity?
What antibodies mediate type III?
Immune Complex
IgG/IgM complexes
What is another term for Type IV hypersensitivity?
What cells mediate Type IV?
Delayed
T-cells
How long can the first exposure to an antigen have occurred before hypersensitivity reactions happen?
How?
Over 10 years previously
immunologic memory sensitisation
Why do hypersensitivity reactions have to involve a protein?
humoral adaptive system involved in hypersensitivity is acted upon by T cells which cause class switching
T cells only respond to proteins and peptides
What is the role of the protein (or peptide) during hypersensitivity reactions?
- protein itself is target perceived as foreign or
- protein serves as carrier molecule for hapten molecules which are covalently bound to its surface
What is a hapten?
a small molecule that is not immunogenic by itself, but can trigger an immune response when combined with a larger carrier molecule
How do IgE antibodies mediate allergies? (type 1 hypersensitivity)
sensitised individuals have pre-formed IgE reacting against the antigen
What is the role of mast cells (or less commonly basophils) during allergic reactions?
- Fc receptors on mast cell surface bind IgE antibodies
- IgEs sit on mast cell surface and undertake surveillance
- specific antigen will bind to IgE and cause IgEs to crosslink
- causes mast cell to degranulate, release its contents, driving inflammatory response
Why are IgE antibodies synthesised?
Because the body is having a reaction against an allergen/antigen
What do mast cells release immediately during degranulation?
Histamine
preformed cytokines
bioactive lipids
pro-inflammatory bradykinin
proteases e.g. tryptase
What are some examples of early-phase inflammatory mediators that are synthesised and released by mast cells?
How long after degranulation are they released?
bioactive lipids e.g. leukotrienes e.g. LTB4, LTC4
prostaglandins
Released minutes after degranulation
What is the time frame in terms of exposure and consequent degranulation from the mast cell and the presence of symptoms of an allergic reaction?
can occur within seconds to minutes of an exposure
(from irritating to fatal)
Why does tendency for individuals to have an IgE-mediated response to antigens vary?
‘atopic’ individuals e.g. those with allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema have inherited predisposition to display IgE responses
What does ‘atopic’ mean?
refers to the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases (sometimes a family history)
What is the value for the half life of serum IgE?
2 days
What is the value for the half life of serum IgG?
21 days
What is the process of having an allergic reaction?
- sensitisation (see immunology recap for reminder of initial exposure and adaptive immunity)
- elicitation (re-exposure)
- immediate release of preformed mediators
What is an example of a marker used when analysing serum to confirm allergic reaction?
tryptase
What are some examples of late-phase inflammatory mediators synthesised and released by mast cells?
How long after initial degranulation are they released?
Pro-inflammatory cytokines e.g. TNF, IL-3,-4,-5,-10,-13
Leukotrienes and prostaglandins
Released 6+ hours after initial degranulation
What will happen at the tissue site after degranulation and release of further inflammatory mediators?
- smooth muscle contraction, vasodilation and leaking of plasma water and plasma proteins
- Increased GI motility, mucus secretion and sensory nerve activation
- chemotaxis of immune cells e.g. granulocytes, lymphocytes
What are the consequent symptoms of the immune activity at the site of inflammation?
smooth muscle contraction e.g. of lungs causes bronchoconstriction
vascular leak - swelling
Increased GI motility - nausea
Increased mucus secretion - impact breathing, congestion
sensory nerve activation - pain, rash, itchiness
What is a major consequence of widespread mast cell degranulation?
How would treatment for such consequence look during anaphylaxis?
High levels of vascular leakage, causes drop in blood pressure
saline drip to maintain blood flow, pressure
What is urticaria?
itchy, raised rash (hives)
what are the common symptoms of allergic reactions?
- allergic rhinitis - sneezing and itchy, runny or blocked nose
- allergic conjunctivitis - itchy, red, watery eyes
- allergic asthma - wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough
- urticaria or hives - raised itchy rash
- angiodema - swollen lips, tongue, eyes, face
- general issues - abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry/red cracked skin
what do allergic conditions often reflect?
where the antigen and mast cells are coming into contact
What are some allergens causing allergic rhinitis and asthma?
mould
house dust mites
cleaning products
animals (all inhaled)
What are some common allergens in relation to skin reactions?
- chemicals
- light
- metals
What are common symptoms of anaphylaxis?
throat and mouth swelling, swallowing difficulties
vomiting
drop in BP, breathing difficulties
confusion, loss of consciousness
rashes