Despite its vital protective role against pathogens, the immune system is often responsible for ___ and is involved in the ___ of many diseases
tissue injury; pathogenesis
Ex: hypersensitivities, autoimmunity, transplant rejections
What are hypersensitivities?
Set of undesirable reactions by the normal immune system. “Over reaction” resulting in uncomfortable, damaging, and even fatal consequences.
Ex: allergies, autoimmune diseases
What state is required for hypersensitivities?
Pre-sensitized (immune) state; person is immune to a particular antigen before tissue damage occurs
What are the 4 types of hypersensitivities based on the triggering mechanism?
Immediate (Type I) Hypersensitivity
Crosslinking of IgE antibodies bound to mast cells by an antigen (allergen)
Antibody-mediated (Type II) Hypersensitivity
Binding of IgG or IgM antibodies to antigens present on cells or basement membranes (our own cells/tissues) - basis for many autoimmune diseases
Immune complex-mediated (Type III) Hypersensitivity
Deposition of immune complexes (Ag/Ab) in tissues
Pre-reaction of Antigen and antibody occurs
Cell Mediated (Type IV) hypersensitivity
T cell-directed mechanisms of tissue injury
systemic anaphylaxis (type I hypersensitivity)
characterized by sudden respiratory and circulatory disruption that can be fatal within minutes due to airway blockage
Symptoms: swelling of the lips and periorbital areas, itching and erythema over wide areas of his body. This is followed by hypotension, tongue swelling and severe breathing difficulty with wheezing.
Mechanism behind Systemic Anaphylaxis (Type I Hypersensitivity) to anesthetic molecules
Reaction of anesthetic molecules with pre-existing specific IgE antibodies bound to the surface of mast cells, followed by release of vasoactive mediators (histamine).
majority of allergies are what type of hypersensitivity?
Type I (some type IV)
step-by-step mechanism of systemic anaphylaxis
wheel and flare
Immediate reaction presentation with Type I hypersensitivity
acute phase of Type I hypersensitivity
*all mediated by histamine
late phase of type I hypersensitivity
Type I Hypersensitivity (Immediate) summarized
Key cells involved in type I hypersensitivities
CD4+ T cells (Th2 type), B cells making IgE antibodies
cytokines released from Th2 cells in Type I hypersensitivity
IL-4, IL-13, IL-5
*IL-4 and IL-13 is what tells B cells to make the IgE
*IL-5 activates cells of the late phase
What are the mast cell mediators of Type I hypersensitivity?
effects of histamine release
Secondary mediators in mast cells
describe the histamine receptors
smooth muscle and endothelial cells: this is why allergy leads to smooth muscle contraction and vasodilation
what do antihistamines do?
Antihistamines (prevent binding to H1 receptors) are a main line of treatment for allergic reactions
what are Arachidonic Acid Metabolites (AA)?