Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
Drug hypersensitivity in the fast lane: What clinicians should know about phenotypes, endotypes, and biomarkers
Baruch D Jakubovic1, Leticia de Las Vecillas2, Teodorikez Wilfox Jimenez-Rodriguez3
1Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Objective:
To review novel concepts in drug hypersensitivity and the management of immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
Data Sources:
English language literature on MEDLINE and Embase surrounding drug hypersensitivity and desensitization.
Study Selections:
References were selected based on relevance, date of publication, and originality.
Results:
There are numerous citations looking at categorizing drug reactions, pathogenesis, biomarkers, and desensitization. Current understanding supports the use of a phenotype-endotype-biomarker model for categorizing immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Drug desensitization is a powerful therapeutic strategy that enables temporary induction of tolerance to medications that triggered immediate reactions.
Conclusion:
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions are diverse in presentation and pathogenesis. Drug desensitization is an effective intervention with sufficient evidence to support its more widespread availability.
Related Concept Videos
Hypersensitivities
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...
Allergic Drug Reactions
Allergic Reactions
Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
Cross-reactivity
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and...

