Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
07:22
Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
Chronic urticaria: the autoimmune paradigm
H Philpott1, F Kette, P Hissaria
1Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. lachlanphilpott2003@yahoo.com.au
Internal Medicine Journal
|January 6, 2009
Summary
Chronic urticaria, often misdiagnosed as allergic, is frequently autoimmune. Autoantibodies targeting the immunoglobulin E receptor activate mast cells, explaining many chronic hives cases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Allergy
Background:
- Chronic urticaria (CU) presents as itchy welts lasting over six weeks.
- Often misattributed to allergies, CU is frequently idiopathic.
- Emerging evidence suggests an autoimmune basis for a subset of CU cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence supporting the autoimmune paradigm in chronic urticaria.
- To discuss the impact of this autoimmune understanding on CU diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and clinical evidence.
- Analysis of pathogenic autoantibodies to the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor (FcepsilonR1).
Main Results:
- Detection of autoantibodies against FcepsilonR1 in a significant subset of CU patients.
- These autoantibodies are implicated in activating cutaneous mast cells, leading to urticaria.
Conclusions:
- A substantial portion of chronic urticaria cases, previously considered idiopathic, are autoimmune.
- This autoimmune understanding necessitates a shift in diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for chronic urticaria.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
01:19Hypersensitivity 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...
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...