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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 Reactions

Allergic Reactions

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...

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...

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...

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The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice·2020

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice

Published on: October 14, 2014

What is anaphylaxis?

David Bk Golden¹

¹Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA. dgolden1@jhmi.edu

Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology

|July 11, 2007

Summary

Anaphylaxis mechanisms remain unclear, with research identifying gaps in understanding why some sensitized individuals react severely. Future studies aim to uncover targets for preventing and treating this allergic response.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Allergy Research
Clinical Medicine

Background:

Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, has been known for a century, yet its precise mechanisms remain elusive.
Key questions persist regarding the generalization of localized responses and individual susceptibility.
Understanding these factors is crucial for effective therapeutic intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

To review known and hypothetical components and regulatory steps in anaphylaxis.
To explore potential therapeutic targets for intervention.
To identify gaps in current knowledge for future research.

Main Methods:

Review of recent literature on insect sting allergy.
Analysis of cellular and molecular pathways involved in anaphylaxis.

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Humanized Mediator Release Assay as a Read-Out for Allergen Potency

Humanized Mediator Release Assay as a Read-Out for Allergen Potency

Published on: June 29, 2021

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Published on: May 31, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice

Published on: October 14, 2014

Humanized Mediator Release Assay as a Read-Out for Allergen Potency

Humanized Mediator Release Assay as a Read-Out for Allergen Potency

Published on: June 29, 2021

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Published on: May 31, 2021

Examination of neurologic pathways and immunoglobulin E receptor signaling.

Main Results:

Insect sting allergy studies highlight limitations in diagnostic test predictive value.
Evidence suggests 'priming' of basophils and mast cells may predict clinical reactivity.
Recent findings elucidate cellular products, regulatory pathways, and signaling mechanisms.

Conclusions:

This review integrates existing and novel observations on anaphylaxis.
Identifying knowledge gaps points to areas for further investigation.
Promising targets for future anaphylaxis treatment and prevention have been identified.