Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of hypersensitivity reaction is characterized by an immediate response after antigen interaction with IgE antibodies?
Which antibody is primarily involved in Type I hypersensitivity reactions?
What is a necessary condition for an individual to develop a Type I hypersensitivity reaction?
Which of the following is NOT an example of a common allergen that triggers Type I hypersensitivity reactions?
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What percentage of the population is estimated to be affected by Type I hypersensitivity reactions?
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Which term describes the genetic predisposition associated with hypersensitivity reactions?
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Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is associated with immune complex-mediated disorders?
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Which of the following is considered a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction?
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Hypersensitivity reactions can be classified into how many main types?
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What is the primary consequence of antibodies formed against TSH receptors in Hashimoto thyroiditis?
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Which of the following diseases is characterized by antibodies acting like TSH?
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Which of the following is NOT an example of a type II hypersensitivity reaction?
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In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, which component of blood is primarily affected?
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What type of antibodies are involved in the hyperacute rejection reaction?
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Islet cell autoantibodies are indicative of which autoimmune condition?
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What is the primary role of TH2 cells during initial exposure to an antigen?
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What is the effect of IL-4 in the sensitization process?
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Which mediators are primarily responsible for the immediate phase response in type I hypersensitivity?
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What characterizes the late-phase reaction after allergen re-exposure?
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In type II hypersensitivity, what is the primary mechanism of cell damage during a complement-dependent reaction?
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What is one characteristic feature of an anaphylactic reaction?
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Which type of antibody is primarily involved in type II hypersensitivity reactions?
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How do antibodies mediate cellular dysfunction in type II hypersensitivity?
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What role do mast cells play in the type I hypersensitivity response?
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What is a common example of localized type I hypersensitivity?
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Study Notes
Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Definition: An exaggerated immune response to an antigen, resulting in tissue damage, disease, or even death.
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Characteristics:
- Priming: Prior exposure to the allergen is necessary for sensitization.
- Susceptibility: Genetic predisposition plays a crucial role, often linked to specific genes like HLA.
- Antigen: Virtually any substance that triggers an immune response can be an allergen.
- Origin: Antigens can be exogenous (external, e.g., pollen, food) or endogenous (internal, self-antigens).
Classification of Hypersensitivity Reactions
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Type I (Immediate):
- Also known as: Allergic or atopic disorders.
- Mechanism: Mediated by IgE antibodies bound to mast cells, leading to rapid reactions.
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Characteristics:
- Affects approximately 10-20% of the population.
- Reactions occur within minutes (5-10 minutes) after exposure.
- Elevated levels of IgE are found in individuals with atopic tendencies.
- Genetic predisposition is required, and the reaction is triggered by allergens.
- Examples: Bronchial asthma, hay fever, food allergies.
Type I Hypersensitivity Reaction Mechanisms
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Initial Exposure (Sensitization):
- Presentation: Antigen-presenting cells (APCs, like macrophages) present allergens to T cells.
- TH2 Activation: T cells differentiate into TH2 cells, secreting cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13.
- IgE Production: IL-4 stimulates B cells to produce IgE antibodies.
- Mast Cell Sensitization: IgE binds to Fc receptors on mast cells (located near blood vessels and nerves) and basophils.
- Note: No reaction occurs during the first exposure; sensitization takes time to develop.
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Re-exposure to Antigen:
- Cross-linking: The allergen binds to IgE on mast cells and basophils, causing their activation and degranulation.
- Mediator Release: Mast cells and basophils release preformed mediators (e.g., histamine, proteases, chemotactic factors), leading to immediate responses.
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Phases of IgE-Triggered Reactions:
- Immediate Phase: Occurs within 5-30 minutes and subsides within 60 minutes, characterized by vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, smooth muscle spasm, and glandular secretions.
- Late-Phase Reaction: Develops 2-8 hours after exposure and can last for days; characterized by tissue infiltration with various immune cells (eosinophils, neutrophils, basophils, monocytes, and TH2 cells) and mucosal epithelial cell damage.
Examples of Type I Hypersensitivity Reactions
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Localized Type I:
- Hay fever: Inflammation of the nasal and conjunctival mucosae, with sneezing and hypersecretion triggered by allergens like pollen.
- Extrinsic asthma: Wheezing and acute respiratory distress due to bronchospasm and increased mucus secretion caused by allergens such as house dust or animal dander.
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Systemic Type I (Anaphylaxis):
- Anaphylactic shock: Hypotension, widespread urticaria, and dyspnea, potentially fatal, often triggered by injected medications (e.g., penicillin) in sensitive individuals.
Antibody-Mediated (Type II) Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Definition: Antibodies bind to target cell surface antigens, causing cell lysis.
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Characteristics:
- Antibodies: Primarily IgG (occasionally IgM).
- Antigen: Can be endogenous (self-antigens) or exogenous (adsorbed on cell surfaces or altered by drug metabolites).
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Mechanisms of Injury:
- Complement Dependent: C3b and IgG or IgM activate complement, resulting in cell lysis (opsonization & phagocytosis).
- Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC): Antibodies link natural killer cells or macrophages to target cells without phagocytosis or complement activation, leading to cell killing.
- Antibody-Mediated Cellular Dysfunction: Antibodies bind to cell surface receptors, disrupting function without causing cell injury or inflammation.
Examples of Type II Hypersensitivity Reactions
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Antibodies to Blood Cells:
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Transfusion reactions
- Hemolytic disease of the newborn (erythroblastosis fetalis)
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Drug-induced cytotoxic antibodies
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Antibodies to Tissue Components:
- Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism)
- Myasthenia gravis
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (islet cell autoantibodies)
- Hyperacute rejection reaction (antibodies against donor antigens)
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Description
Explore the various hypersensitivity reactions and their characteristics. Understand the mechanisms behind Type I hypersensitivity, including the role of IgE antibodies and the impact on affected individuals. This quiz will test your knowledge on the definitions and classifications of these immune responses.