Disorders in Immunity

Flashcards summarizing key concepts and vocabulary related to disorders in immunity.

Type I Hypersensitivity

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions, such as allergies and anaphylaxis, mediated by IgE antibodies.

Type II Hypersensitivity

Antibody-mediated hypersensitivity involving IgG and IgM that leads to cell destruction such as in blood type incompatibility.

Type III Hypersensitivity

Immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity characterized by the formation of antigen-antibody complexes that lodge in tissues and cause damage.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

Delayed-type hypersensitivity mediated by T cells that occur 1-3 days after exposure to an antigen.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen.

Atopy

A genetic predisposition to develop allergic diseases such as hay fever, asthma, and eczema.

Allergen

A substance that can cause an allergic reaction, often proteins or haptens.

Histamine

A chemical mediator released by mast cells during an allergic response that causes various symptoms such as bronchoconstriction and increased vascular permeability.

IgE

Immunoglobulin E, an antibody isotype that plays a crucial role in allergic responses.

Desensitization Therapy

A treatment for allergies that involves administering gradually increasing doses of an allergen to reduce sensitivity.

Autoimmune Disease

A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

RhoGAM

A medication used to prevent Rh immunization in Rh-negative mothers during pregnancy.

Cytotoxic T Cells (CD8 T Cells)

T cells that directly kill infected or cancerous cells.

Humoral Immunity

The aspect of immunity that is mediated by antibodies produced by B cells.

Immunopathology

The study of diseases caused by dysfunction of the immune system, including over- and under-reactivity.

Serum Sickness

A type III hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when antibodies against foreign proteins form complexes that deposit in tissues.