Hypersensitivity

Nasrullah
M.Phil Biotechnology
 Introduction
• Generally the immune system is protective
• Protective mechanisms may result in severe damages to tissues and may
lead to death
• When?
• when the immune system responded in exaggerated or inappropriate form.
• One of them is HYPERSENSITIVITY
 HYPERSENSITIVITY

• Hypersensitivity (Immunological reaction) : refers to undesirable immune

reactions produced by the normal immune system
• Hypersensitivity reactions: When an immune response result in
exaggerated OR inappropriate reactions harmful to the host the term
hypersensitivity OR Known as Allergy.
 Types of Hypersensitivity reactions:
• four types; based on the mechanisms involved and time taken for the
reaction,
• Type I - immediate ( atopic, or anaphylactic)
• Type II - antibody-dependent
• Type III - immune complex
• Type IV - cell-mediated or delayed
 Type I (Immediate) Hypersensitivity

• Commonly called allergy

• Mediated by IgE antibodies in response to stimulation of Th2 cells by an
antigens.
• The antigens that stimulate it are called allergens (i.e. House dust, Pollens,
Cosmetics, Insects, Clothing and Drug)
 Type I (Immediate) Hypersensitivity
• Type I hypersensitivity reactions can be
• Anaphylactic
Mast cells and possibly basophils are provoked (e.g.,
asthma)
• Atopy
Problem with your immune system that makes you more
likely to develop allergic diseases. Your genes cause this problem
(e.g., Allergic rhinitis)
 Type II - antibody-dependent

• Cytotoxic
• Involves IgG or IgM antibody-mediated
• IgM or IgG immunoglobulin react with cell-surface antigens (such as
circulating red blood cells) to activate the complements system and
produce direct damage of the cell surface.
• This leads to cell lysis, tissue damage or loss of function
• (e.g., Transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the newborn)
• The reaction takes hours to a day
 Type III - immune complex

• Also known as immune complex disease

• occurs when immune complex (Ag-Ab) are not removed from circulation
• These complexes are deposited in various tissues and organs such as: -
• Kidneys - Joints - Lung - Skin
The mechanism of type III (immune-complex
mediated) hypersensitivity
• Antigen combines with antibody within circulation and form immune
complex
• They are deposited in body parts
• They activate complement system
• Polymorphonulcear cells are attracted (neutrophils)
• Results in tissue damage and inflammation
 Type IV - cell-mediated or delayed

• Type IV hypersensitivity reaction is called delayed type hypersensitivity

(DTH) because the response is delayed.
• It starts hours or days after primary contact with the antigen and often
lasts for days
• Delayed hypersensitivity is a function of T Lymphocytes, not antibody
• Principal pattern of immunologic response to variety of intra cellular
microbiologic agents
i.e.: Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Viruses, Fungi, Parasites