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Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...

Antibody Structure

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy

Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy

Published on: April 16, 2019

iNKT cells in allergic disease.

E H Meyer¹, R H DeKruyff, D T Umetsu

¹Division of Immunology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, One Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology

|June 28, 2007

Summary

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are crucial in asthma development. These cells influence adaptive immunity and act as effectors in diseases like asthma, highlighting their significant role.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Allergy Research
Respiratory Medicine

Background:

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are increasingly recognized for their role in immune regulation.
These cells can promote Th2-biased adaptive immunity or act as direct effectors in mucosal inflammatory diseases.
Their involvement in asthma pathogenesis is suggested by studies in mouse models and human patients.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of invariant TCR+ CD1d-restricted natural killer T (iNKT) cells in the development of asthma and allergy.
To further characterize iNKT cell function in the context of asthma.
To explore the relationship between iNKT cells and conventional CD4+ T cells in asthma.

Main Methods:

Utilizing mouse models of asthma to assess the impact of NKT cell deficiency on allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity (AHR).

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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy

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Published on: April 16, 2019

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Adoptive Immunotherapy of iNKT Cells in Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase (G6PI)-Induced RA Mice

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Analyzing NKT cell presence in lung tissues of patients with chronic asthma.

Investigating the functional skewing of adaptive immunity by iNKT cells.

Main Results:

NKT cell-deficient mouse models do not develop allergen-induced AHR, a key asthma feature.
iNKT cells are present in the lungs of individuals with chronic asthma.
Evidence suggests iNKT cells can influence immune responses towards Th2 pathways.

Conclusions:

iNKT cells play a critical role in the development of airway hyperreactivity and asthma.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate iNKT cell functions and their interactions with other T cell populations in asthma.