HYPERSENSTIVITY

NURSING INSTRUCTOR
HINA ASLAM
 Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity is an exaggerated reaction by the immune system in
response to exposure to certain foreign substances. The response is
exaggerated because these foreign substances are normally seen as
harmless by the immune system in nonallergic individuals and do not cause
a response in them. In allergic individuals, the body recognizes the
substance as foreign, and the allergic part of the immune system generates
a response.
• Allergy-producing substances are called "allergens."
• People who are prone to allergies are said to be allergic or "atopic."
Figure shows (a) Allergens in plant pollen, shown here in a colorized electron micrograph, may trigger
allergic rhinitis or hay fever in sensitive individuals. (b) Skin rashes are often associated with allergic
reactions. (c) Peanuts can be eaten safely by most people but can provoke severe allergic reactions in
sensitive individuals.
 TYPES OF HYPERSENSITIVITY
• Type I hypersensitivity
• Type II hypersensitivity
• Type III hypersensitivity
• Type IV hypersensitivity
 Type 1 hypersensitivity
(Allergic hypersensitivity/Immediate hypersensitivity)
• In Type 1 hypersensitivity reactions ,Initial exposure to the antigen lead
to release cytokine InterLeukin-4 causes the B cells to switch their
production of IgM to IgE antibodies which are antigen-specific. The IgE
antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils, sensitising them to the
antigen.

• When the antigen enters the body again, it cross links the IgE bound to
the sensitised cells, causing the release of preformed mediators including
histamine, leukotrienes and prostaglandins. This leads to widespread
vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and increased permeability of
vascular endothelium.
 EXAMPLES
• Allergy-induced asthma
• Anaphylaxis
• Hay fever
• Hives (urticaria)
• Rhinitis
• Atopic eczema
• Bee sting reaction
 Type II hypersensitivity
(Cytotoxic hypersensitivity)
Type II hypersensitivity (cytotoxic) is mediated by antibodies directed
toward antigens present on the surface of cells or other tissue components.
Type II reactions result when antibodies react with antigens that are found
on certain “target” cells. The antigens may be natural components of healthy
cells, or they may be extrinsic components induced by drugs or infectious
microbes. The resultant antigen-antibody complex activates the complement
system, a series of potent enzymes that destroy the target cell.
 EXAMPLES

• Rhesus incompatibility (Rh hemolytic disease),

• Transfusion Reactions
• Drug-Induced Hemolytic Anemia
 TYPE III HYPERSENSITIVITY
(Immune complex hypersensitivity)
• Type III reactions result when a person who has been strongly sensitized
to a particular antigen is subsequently exposed to that antigen. In a type
III reaction, the antigen-antibody complex becomes deposited on the
walls of the small blood vessels. The complex then triggers the
complement system, which produces inflammation and vascular damage.
Unlike type I reactions, type II and type III reactions are not dependent
on a genetic predisposition.
 EXAMPLES
• Glomerulonephritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Farmer’s lung arthritis
• Vasculitis
 Type IV Hypersensitivity
(Cell-mediated Hypersensitivity/ Delayed Type Of Hypersensitivity)
• Type IV hypersensitivity, also called delayed-type
hypersensitivity involves T cell-antigen interactions that cause activation
and cytokine secretion. The allergic responses appear 12 to 24 hours or
more after exposure to an appropriate antigen. A common delayed allergic
reaction is contact dermatitis, a skin disorder. The rejection of transplanted
organs is also mediated by T cells and thus may be considered a delayed
allergic response.
 EXAMPLES
• tuberculin reaction
• Granuloma formation
• Allergic contact dermatitis
 ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY – HUMORAL AND CELLULAR
IMMUNITY
Cellular immunity
Humoral immunity
Cellular immunity is also called cell
Humoral immunity is also called mediated immunity which occurs inside
antibody-mediated immunity. With infected cells and is mediated by T
assistance from helper T cells, B cells will lymphocytes.
differentiate into plasma B cells that can
The pathogen's antigens are expressed on
produce antibodies against a specific
the cell surface .
antigen.
Helper T cells release cytokines that help
The humoral immune system deals with
activated TH cells bind to the infected
antigens from pathogens that are freely
cells’ MHC-antigen complex and
circulating, or outside the infected cells.
differentiate the T cell into a cytotoxic T
Antibodies produced by the B cells will
cell.
bind to antigens, neutralizing them, or
causing lysis of cells or phagocytosis. Cytotoxic T cells then undergoes lysis in
infected cells.
 DIFFERENCE
HUMORAL IMMUNITY CELLULAR IMMUNITY

Immune response mediated by antibodies Immune response mediated by immune cells

Mainly B cells are involved Mainly Helper T cells,Cytotoxic T cells are involved

Antibodies travel through plasma It involve cell to cell contact or secrete cytokines

protects against extracellular pathogens. protects against intracellular pathogens.

The onset is rapid The onset is delayed

Mediates immediate (types I, II, and III) hypersensitivity Mediates delayed (type IV) hypersensitivity