Type I hypersensitivity

Type I hypersensitivity
SEM of miscellaneous plant pollens. Pollens are very common allergens.
Classification and external resources
Specialty
Patient UK	Type I hypersensitivity
MeSH	D006969

Type I hypersensitivity (or immediate hypersensitivity) is an allergic reaction provoked by reexposure to a specific type of antigen referred to as an allergen. Type I is not to be confused with Type II, Type III, or Type IV hypersensitivities.

Exposure may be by ingestion, inhalation, injection, or direct contact.

Pathophysiology

In type 1 hypersensitivity, B-cells are stimulated (by CD4+TH2 cells) to produce IgE antibodies specific to an antigen. The difference between a normal infectious immune response and a type 1 hypersensitivity response is that in type 1 hypersensitivity the antibody is IgE instead of IgA, IgG, or IgM. During sensitisation, the IgE antibodies bind to Fcε receptors on the surface of tissue mast cells and blood basophils. Mast cells and basophils coated by IgE antibodies are "sensitised." Later exposure to the same allergen cross-links the bound IgE on sensitised cells, resulting in degranulation and the secretion of pharmacologically active mediators such as histamine, leukotriene (LTC4 and LTD4), and prostaglandin that act on the surrounding tissues. The principal effects of these products are vasodilation and smooth-muscle contraction.

Type 1 hypersensitivity can be further classified into an immediate and late-phase reaction. The immediate hypersensitivity reaction occurs minutes after exposure and includes release of vasoactive amines and lipid mediators, whereas the late-phase reaction occurs 2–4 hours after exposure and includes the release of cytokines.

Overview of mediators released by mast cells in type 1 hypersensitivity, and their actions:

Vasodilation and increased permeability	Histamine PAF Leukotriene C4, D4 and E4 Prostaglandin D2 Neutral proteases
Smooth muscle spasm	Histamine PAF Leukotriene C4, D4 and E4 Prostaglandin
Leukocyte extravasation	Cytokines (e.g. chemokines and TNF) Leukotriene B4 Chemotactic factors for neutrophils and eosinophils
Unless otherwise specified, the reference for this table is:

The reaction may be either local or systemic. Symptoms vary from mild irritation to sudden death from anaphylactic shock.

Treatment and prognosis

Treatment usually involves adrenaline (epinephrine), antihistamines, and corticosteroids. If the entire body gets involved, then anaphylaxis can take place, which is an acute, systemic reaction that can prove fatal.

Examples

Some examples:

• Allergic asthma
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Allergic rhinitis ("hay fever")
• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema
• Urticaria (hives)
• Eosinophilia
• Penicillin allergy
• Cephalosporin allergy
• Food allergy

See also

• Type II hypersensitivity
• Type III hypersensitivity
• Type IV hypersensitivity
• Type V hypersensitivity

External links

• Type I hypersensitivity (Flash Animation)