Types of Hypersensitivity Reactions

TYPE MECHANISM OF ACTION CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS EXAMPLES

Type I Antibodies bind to certain cells, causing re- Hypotension, wheezing, gastrointestinal Extrinsic asthma
Localized or lease of chemical substances that produce spasm, uterine spasm; stridor, urticaria Hay fever
systemic reactions an inflammatory reaction.
(anaphylaxis)
Type II Antibodies cause activation of complement Variable; may include dyspnea or fever Transfusion reaction
Tissue-specific system, which leads to tissue damage. ABO incompatibility
reactions Hemolytic disease of the newborn
Type III Immune complexes are deposited in tis- Urticaria, fever, joint pain Acute glomerulonephritis
Immune-complex sues, where they activate complement, Serum sickness
reactions which results in a generalized inflamma-
tory reaction.
Type IV Antigens stimulate T cells that release lym- Variable; may include fever Contact dermatitis
Delayed reactions phokines, which cause inflammation and Erythema, itching Tuberculin skin test
tissue damage. Graft-versus-host disease
Allograft rejection