Hypersensitivity: Notes

Definition: Hypersensitivity, also known as an allergic reaction or intolerance, is an

exaggerated or inappropriate immune response to a normally harmless substance
(antigen). This response can cause various symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to
life-threatening situations.

Types of Hypersensitivity: There are four main types of hypersensitivity, each with
different mechanisms of action and clinical manifestations:

1. Type I Hypersensitivity (Immediate Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reaction)

2. Type II Hypersensitivity (Cytotoxic Hypersensitivity)
3. Type III Hypersensitivity (Immune Complex-Mediated Hypersensitivity)
4. Type IV Hypersensitivity (Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity)

1. Type I Hypersensitivity (Immediate Hypersensitivity):

● Alternative Names: Allergy, Atopy, IgE-mediated hypersensitivity

● Mechanism: IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils, triggering the
release of inflammatory mediators like histamine upon antigen exposure.
● Antibody Involved: IgE
● Examples:
○ Food allergies
○ Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
○ Asthma
○ Eczema
○ Anaphylaxis

2. Type II Hypersensitivity (Cytotoxic Hypersensitivity):

● Alternative Names: Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)

● Mechanism: Antibodies (IgG or IgM) bind to antigens on cell surfaces, leading to
their destruction by immune cells.
● Antibodies Involved: IgG, IgM
● Examples:
○ Rh incompatibility in newborns
○ Drug-induced hemolytic anemia
○ Transfusion reactions
○ Autoimmune diseases like Graves' disease
○ Goodpasture's syndrome.
○ Myasthenia gravis
3. Type III Hypersensitivity (Immune Complex Hypersensitivity):

● Alternative Names: Serum sickness, Arthus reaction

● Mechanism: Immune complexes (antigen-antibody aggregates) deposit in
tissues, triggering inflammation and damage.
● Antibodies Involved: IgG, IgM, IgA
● Examples:
○ Serum sickness (reaction to foreign proteins)
○ Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
○ Cryoglobulinemia
○ Vasculitis
○ Rheumatoid arthritis

4. Type IV Hypersensitivity (Delayed Hypersensitivity):

● Alternative Names: T-cell-mediated hypersensitivity

● Mechanism: T cells sensitized to an antigen directly attack tissues upon
re-exposure.
● Antibodies Involved: T cells
● Examples:
○ Contact dermatitis (e.g., poison ivy)
○ Tuberculin skin test
○ Graft rejection

Additional Notes:

● Hypersensitivity reactions can vary in severity depending on the type, individual

susceptibility, and the amount of antigen exposure.
● Diagnosis of hypersensitivity involves a combination of medical history, physical
examination, and specific tests.
● Treatment for hypersensitivity depends on the type and severity of the reaction. It
may involve avoiding the allergen, medications to control symptoms, and
emergency interventions in severe cases.