
Four Basic Types of Hypersensitivity
- Type I, or IgE-mediated, Allergic Hypersensitivity.
- Type II, or antibody-mediated Cytotoxic Hypersensitivity.
- Type III hypersensitivity, or immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity.
- Type IV, Delayed Hypersensitivity (DTH)
- Type I: reaction mediated by IgE antibodies.
- Type II: cytotoxic reaction mediated by IgG or IgM antibodies.
- Type III: reaction mediated by immune complexes.
- Type IV: delayed reaction mediated by cellular response.
What causes Type III hypersensitivity?
Type III hypersensitivities are caused by the formation of immune complexes in body tissues. Immune complexes are masses of antigens with antibodies bound to them. These antigen-antibody complexes contain greater antibody (IgG) concentrations than antigen concentrations.
What is Type 4 allergy?
Type IV or cell-mediated reactions: Type IV allergic reactions are also called the delayed type of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions as they occur after at least 24 hours of exposure to the allergen. These reactions typically take 48-72 hours or longer to appear after contact with the allergen.
What are the four types of allergies?
Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system has a reaction to a substance it sees as harmful, called an allergen. The four general types of allergic reaction are immediate, cytotoxic, immune complex-mediated and delayed hypersensitivity.
What are the four types of allergic reactions?
- Tingling, numbness, itching, and swelling of the lips, face, and tongue
- Swelling in other parts of the body, especially fingers
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Nasal congestion
- Hives
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Nausea

What is a Type 1 hypersensitivity?
Type I hypersensitivity is also known as an immediate reaction and involves immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated release of antibodies against the soluble antigen. This results in mast cell degranulation and release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
What is a Type 2 hypersensitivity reaction?
Type II hypersensitivity reaction refers to an antibody-mediated immune reaction in which antibodies (IgG or IgM) are directed against cellular or extracellular matrix antigens, resulting in cellular destruction, functional loss, or tissue damage.
What is a Type 3 hypersensitivity reaction?
In type III hypersensitivity reactions, an abnormal immune response is mediated by the formation of antigen-antibody aggregates called "immune complexes."[1] They can precipitate in various tissues such as skin, joints, vessels, or glomeruli and trigger the classical complement pathway.
What is Type 4 hypersensitivity called?
Type IV Hypersensitivity (Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity) Type IV hypersensitivity is also known as cell-mediated hypersensitivity because it is the result of the interaction of T lymphocytes and the specific antigen to which they have been sensitized.
What causes Type 3 hypersensitivity?
Type III hypersensitivityType III hypersensitivityType III hypersensitivity occurs when there is an excess of antigen, leading to small immune complexes being formed that fix complement and are not cleared from the circulation. It involves soluble antigens that are not bound to cell surfaces (as opposed to those in type II hypersensitivity).https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Type_III_hypersensitivityType III hypersensitivity - Wikipedia is caused by circulating immunocomplexes (see Fig. 2-29C) and is typified by serum sickness (a drug reaction in which multimeric drug-antibody aggregates form in solution). Preformed immunocomplexes deposit in various vascular beds and cause injury at these sites.
What is the difference between Type 2 and Type 3 hypersensitivity?
Type 2 hypersensitivity reactions may occur in response to host cells (i.e. autoimmune) or to non-self cells, as occurs in blood transfusion reactions. Type 2 is distinguished from Type 3 by the location of the antigens – in Type 2, the antigens are cell bound, whereas in Type 3 the antigens are soluble.
Is rheumatoid arthritis Type 3 or 4 hypersensitivity?
The most common diseases involving a type III hypersensitivity reaction are serum sickness, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, farmers' lung (hypersensitivity pneumonitis), and rheumatoid arthritis.
Is multiple sclerosis Type 3 hypersensitivity?
Type IV hypersensitivityType IV hypersensitivityType IV hypersensitivity, often called delayed-type hypersensitivity, is a type of hypersensitivity reaction that takes several days to develop. Unlike the other types, it is not humoral (not antibody-mediated) but rather is a type of cell-mediated response.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Type_IV_hypersensitivityType IV hypersensitivity - Wikipedia is mediated by T cells and macrophages, causing diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Is autoimmune a type of hypersensitivity?
Autoimmune diseases classified by the mechanism of tissue damage. Autoimmune diseases can be grouped in the same way as hypersensitivity reactions, according to the type of immune response and the mechanism by which it damages tissues.
What are the 5 types of hypersensitivity?
Hypersensitivity can be classified into four types; namely, type I (Immediate), type II (antibody-mediated), type III (immune complex-mediated), and type IVtype IVType IV hypersensitivity, often called delayed-type hypersensitivity, is a type of hypersensitivity reaction that takes several days to develop. Unlike the other types, it is not humoral (not antibody-mediated) but rather is a type of cell-mediated response.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Type_IV_hypersensitivityType IV hypersensitivity - Wikipedia (cell-mediated or delayed-type) hypersensitivity.
Is Eczema a type 4 hypersensitivity?
Atopic dermatitis is a type I IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction, but the exact etiology is unknown.
What causes Type II hypersensitivity?
Type II hypersensitivity reactions (Fig. 46-2) are caused by chemical modification of cell surface or matrix-associated antigens that generates “foreign” epitopes to which the immune system is not tolerant.
Which of the following is an example of a type II hypersensitivity?
Examples of type II HS include some forms of anemia, blood transfusion reactions, certain platelet disorders, and some types of tissue transplant rejection.
Which of the following are the examples of type II hypersensitivity reactions?
ExamplesDiseaseAutoantibody targetAutoimmune hemolytic anemiaRed blood cellsGoodpasture syndromeGlomerular basement membraneGraves diseaseThyroid stimulating hormone receptorImmune thrombocytopeniaPlatelets1 more row
How is type 2 hypersensitivity diagnosed?
These reactions can only be diagnosed accurately using the drug provocation test (DPT), since skin tests are not reliable and no biological tests are currently available. However, DPT represents a high-risk method of diagnosis testing, as it can reproduce the type 2 hypersensitivity reaction.
How is type 2 hypersensitivity treated?
Treatment for type 2 hypersensitivity typically involves immunosuppressants to prevent the action of unusual antibodies. Treatment options may include: systemic glucocorticoids. cyclophosphamide and cyclosporin agents.
What are the different types of hypersensitivity reactions?
Gell and Coomb described four types of hypersensitivity reactions (Types I, II, III and IV). The first three types are antibody-mediated and the fourth type is mediated mainly by T-cell and macro-phases i.e. cell-mediated (Table 11.1 and 11.2; Fig. 11.2).
What type of hypersensitivity is when an antibody enters the body?
3. Type III Hypersensitivity: When an antigen enters within the body then the antibody reacts with antigen and generates immune complex. This immune complex gradually facilitates removal of antigen by phagocytic activity of body. Large amount of immune complexes lead to tissue-damaging Type III hypersensitivity.
What is the name of the disease that occurs when an rh + foetus expresses an anti?
1. Haemolytic disease of the newborn develops when maternal IgG antibodies specific for foetal blood-group antigens cross the placenta and destroy foetal red blood cells. Severe haemolytic disease of the new born is called erythroblastosis foetalis, when an Rh + foetus expresses an Rh antigen on its blood cells that the Rh – mother does not express it (Fig. 11.5).
Which type of hypersensitivity is better for antihistamines?
Successful use of anti-histamine drugs result better with respect to type I hypersensitivity. 2. Type II Hypersensitivity: Type II hypersensitive reactions are those in which tissue or cell damage is the direct result of the actions of antibody and complement.
What are the symptoms of anaphylactic response?
1. Normally anaphylactic responses are of a mild type producing symptoms— like hay-fever, running nose, skin eruptions called as ‘nives’ or breathing difficulties. 2. The pharmacologically active mediators released from the granules exert biological effects on the surrounding tissues.
Which microbial agent elicits delayed hypersensitivity?
A microbial agent that elicits a delayed hypersensitivity is tuberculin which is a purified protein derivative (PPD) of tubercle bacilli (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Mycobacterium leprae, the microbial agents also stimulate delayed hypersensitivity.
What is the affinity of IgE?
During the activity, this class of antibody (IgE) binds with high affinity to F C ( Fragment crystalized) receptors on the surface of constant domains of tissue mast cells and blood basophils. Such IgE-coated mast cells and basophils are said to be sensitized. When the individual is exposed to the same allergen again, then it cross-links the membrane bound IgE on sensitized mast cells and basophils and degranulation of those cells result (Fig. 11.3).
What is the most common type of hypersensitivity?
1. Type I Hypersensitivity (Anaphylaxis): This type of hypersensitivity is the most common among all the types. About 17% of the human population may be affected, probably due to a natural proneness controlled by the genetic make-up.
What are the phases of hypersensitivity?
Like the Type I hypersensitivity, Type IV also has two phases: a sensitization phase and an active phase. The allergen can be a microbial antigen or a small molecule that can act as a hapten and can combine with a tissue protein to form an active antigen. The sensitizing antigen binds to some tissue cells and these are ingested by phagocytic cells, like macrophages and dendritic cells. These cells process the antigen and present the antigenic determinants to the T D -cells.
Why is serum sickness a manifestation of hypersensitivity?
Antisera like anti-tetanus serum (ATS) may act as antigen in human body, because these are obtained from animals and are injected to persons for providing immediate protection. The antigen (ATS, for example) can provoke an immune response to produce IgG in the body. These IgG antibodies react with the antisera to produce immune complexes and give rise to serum sickness.
What type of cells are involved in delayed hypersensitivity?
The cells involved in delayed hypersensitivity are mainly T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes have two main types, — the CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells. The cells involved in Type IV hypersensitivity belong to the CD4+ type. The special group of CD4+ cells taking part in this hypersensitivity are called T D -cells (D standing for delayed hypersensitivity). T D -cells are a part of the T-helper cell (T H -cells) population which constitutes the bulk of CD4+ T-cells. T H -cells are distinguished into T H -1 and T H -2 types, of which T H -2 cells are mainly responsible for activation of B-cells to produce immunoglobulin’s and T H -1 cells are involved in causing the inflammatory responses including delayed hypersensitivity reactions. So, T D -cells belong to the T H -1 type of lymphocytes.
What are the allergens that cause anaphylaxis?
The allergens inciting anaphylaxis include a great variety of substances , like pollens, fibres, insect, venom, fungal spores, house-dust etc. as well as various food materials like egg, milk, fish, crab-meat, peanuts, soybean, various vegetables etc.
Which microbial agent elicits delayed hypersensitivity?
A well-known example of a microbial agent that elicits a delayed hypersensitivity is tuberculin which is a purified protein derivative (PPD) of tubercle bacilli (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Other microbial agents that stimulate delayed hypersensitivity are Mycobacterium leprae, Brucella and fungi causing histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum) and candidiasis (Candida albicans).
Which type of hypersensitivity is mediated by T cells?
4. Type IV Hypersensitivity: In contrast to the first three types of hypersensitivity, Type IV is mediated by cells of immune system, mainly T-cells, but also macrophages and dendritic cells. Furthermore, lymphokines produced by T-cells play an important role.
What is the most important substance in anaphylactic reaction?
In anaphylactic reaction, four pharmacologically active substances have been implicated— the most important is histamine. The release of histamine can be demonstrated in vitro by exposing antibody sensitized piece of tissue to the contact of antigen.
What is cytotoxic reaction type 2?
Cytotoxic or Cytolytic Reactions- Type II: The antibody directed against a cell which is associated with an antigen brings about cytotoxic or cytolytic effect which involves participation of complement. (a) In incompatible blood transfusion, the cytolytic effect of antibody on foreign red blood cells was observed.
Can antigens cause anaphylaxis?
horse anti-tetanus serum), drug (penicillin) or perhaps by the bite of an insect, the systemic form of anaphylaxis is likely to develop, which is characterised by dyspnoea with bronchospasm, sometime skin rashes, a fall in blood pressure, and, occasionally, death.
Can anaphylaxis be caused by a sensitized person?
On the other hand, if the antigen comes primarily in contact with the respiratory mucous membrane then, in a sensitized individual, the local form of anaphylaxis may develop i.e. hay fever, asthma .
How many types of hypersensitivity are there?
There are four different types of hypersensitivity reactions. Some evidence suggests a potential fifth type, but this may actually be a subset of type 2 hypersensitivity reactions.
What is a type 5 hypersensitivity reaction?
Type 5 hypersensitivity reactions are responses that occur when an antibody targets receptors present on a cell, which a hormone would normally activate.
What is the immune system's response to invasive substances?
Sometimes, however, the immune system produces undesirable responses by identifying harmless substances as harmful. This is called a hypersensitivity response.
What is the reaction of a person to an antigen?
Type 1 hypersensitivity causes an immediate response and occurs after a person has exposure to an antigen. With this type of reaction, the body responds to an antigen by producing a specific type of antibody called IgE.
What is the difference between hypersensitivity and allergies?
Although people use these terms interchangeably, an allergic reaction typically refers to the signs and symptoms a person may experience, while a hypersensitivity reaction describes the immunological process that occurs in the body.
What type of cells control type 4 hypersensitivity?
Instead of antibodies, white blood cells called T cells control type 4 hypersensitivity reactions. Experts can further subdivide these reactions into type 4a, type 4b, type 4c, and type 4d based on the type of T cell involved and the reaction it produces.
What is the treatment for granulomatous hypersensitivity?
Treatment for granulomatous-type hypersensitivity can also include steroid therapy , but treatments vary depending on the condition that comes from the reaction. For example, a doctor may prescribe methotrexate as steroid treatment if a person presents with pulmonary sarcoidosis.
What Is a Hypersensitive Reaction?
When you have a hypersensitive reaction, it means your body has an extreme or unnecessary immune response to an antigen. The different types of reactions are based on the type of antigen, the immune response the body generates and how quickly the body responds.
Type 1 Hypersensitivity Reaction
A type 1 hypersensitivity reaction produces an immediate response after exposure to an antigen. During this type of reaction, the body produces an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
Type 2 Hypersensitivity Reaction
A type 2 reaction involves both IgE and IgM antibodies. During a type 2 reaction, healthy cells can die as they respond to antigens, which can cause long-term damage to the cells and tissues, leading to:
Type 3 Hypersensitivity Reaction
With a type 3 reaction, antigens and antibodies cause complexes in the skin, blood vessels, joints and kidney tissues, resulting in tissue damage.
Type 4 Hypersensitivity Reaction
Type 4 reactions are cell-mediated, which means they are controlled by T cells rather than antibodies.
Content
The immune system is essential for the maintenance of complex organisms over time As it reacts and eliminates invaders such as bacteria, parasites, viruses, foreign substances, cancer cells and triggers inflammatory responses to end threats.
What is hypersensitivity?
First of all, it is necessary to limit that Alterations of the immune system can be divided into the following groups:
Types of hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity can be distinguished into 4 types, depending on the components of the immune system that cause the response. We will tell you about each of these mechanisms below, following the Gell and Coombs scale, the most famous of all at a clinical and epidemiological level. Go for it.
1. Immediate hypersensitivity
To understand all the terminological conglomerate that we are going to throw at you in the following lines, it is necessary to cement certain knowledge. For example, it is essential to know that an antibody or immunoglobulin (Ig) is a type of protein circulating in the blood, which "marks" possible pathogenic elements, binding to its antigen (Ag).
2. Hypersensitivity to cytotoxic antibodies
Also known as dry antibody hypersensitivity, this variant is characterized by the binding of antibodies produced by the immune system to antigens present on the surfaces of the cells themselves of the patient.
3. Immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity
This type of hypersensitivity it is produced by the deposition of immune complexes in certain tissues. We know as immunocomplexes the binding of an antigen and an antibody (Ag-Ac), which are normally eliminated during the development of the immune response.
4. Delayed hypersensitivity
Also known as "cell-mediated", this type of hypersensitivity, as its name suggests, is mediated by T lymphocyte cells. These lymphocytes become sensitized when they come into contact with a specific antigen, and they can damage tissue due to their direct toxic effect or through the release of soluble substances (lymphokines).
Analogy of Hypersensitivity
For you to understand hypersensitivity in a better way, we shall employ a simple analogy here. If you wanted to kill a mosquito, it would be unnecessary to use a hammer to knock it against the wall.
Type III Hypersensitivity (Immune complex mediated type)
This type of reaction is mediated by immune complexes that form in your body. This type manifests in many types of systemic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus among others. It also manifests in some local reactions like glomerulonephritis and pneumonitis.
