Hypersensitivity Flashcards
What is inflammation?
an immune response aimed at eliminating the inciting cause
What are the possible inciting causes?
invading microorganisms, particulate materials (allergens, prostheses), altered self cells (growth disorders, cell injury), transformed malignant cells (neoplasia)
Hypersensitivity definition
a state of altered reactivity in which the body reacts with an immune response to a foreign agent (e.g. allergen)
Allergen definition
an antigen (protein) that causes an allergic reaction
What hypersensitivity classification are allergic reactions?
type I hypersensitivity
Where are allergens found?
airborne (e.g. pollen or dust), food, medication
What is the difference between a food allergy and an intolerance?
a food allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction involving the immune system whereas a food intolerance disrupts the digestive system
Examples of allergies that must be considered for dental treatments
latex, anaesthetics, antibiotics, metals
What is the name of the system used to classify hypersensitivity reactions?
Gell and Coombs’s classification
What molecules can cause type I hypersensitivity (allergies)?
allergens or haptens
Haptens definition
small (non-protein) molecules that can be recognised by a specific antibody but cannot elicit an immune response
How would haptens be able to cause an immune response?
If haptens are chemically linked to a protein molecule (carrier)
Example of a hapten
Antibiotic (can bind to proteins in body to cause immune response - results in inflammation against hapten and carrier)
Which is the most common type of hypersensitivity?
type I hypersensitivity
Which antibody mediates type I hypersensitivity?
IgE antibody
Which cell produces antibodies?
plasma cells (B cells)
What is the action of IgE in type I hypersensitivity reactions?
IgE (constant region) binds to receptors on mast cells and basophils. When the antigen binds to IgE this induces degranulation.
Which receptor on mast cells do IgE antibodies bind to?
Fc receptors
Which receptor on basophils do IgE antibodies bind to?
CD63
Which immune cells are involved in type I hypersensitivity reactions?
mast cells, basophils, eosinophils
How is IgE produced in type I hypersensitivity reactions?
Allergens (or haptens) are recognised by PRRs on innate immune cells. Antigen presentation activates the adaptive immune system via MHCII-TCR interactions which results in differentiation into TH2 cells. TH2 cells activate B cells to differentiate into plasma cells which produce IgM before class switching to IgE in the first exposure to the allergen.
Examples of Pattern Recognition Receptors on innate immune cells that recognise allergens (or haptens bound to proteins)
TLRs, Protease-activated receptors (PARs)
What happens in the second exposure to the allergen?
IgE recognises the allergen and binds rapidly causing immediate degranulation of immune cells to release histamine.
What is the effect of histamine?
vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, smooth muscle constriction / bronchoconstriction, neurotransmission