Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice
06:32

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice

Published on: September 19, 2016

9.8K

Immunologic cross-reactions among thermophilic actinomycetes associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis

V P Kurup, J J Barboriak, J N Fink

    The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
    |May 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Rabbit antibodies against specific thermophilic actinomycetes showed species-specific reactions. Farmer's lung patient sera, however, exhibited cross-reactivity, suggesting sensitization to multiple actinomycete species.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Microbiology
    • Environmental Health

    Background:

    • Thermophilic actinomycetes are microorganisms found in organic matter.
    • Exposure to these microbes can lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, such as farmer's lung.
    • Identifying specific microbial triggers is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the cross-reactivity of antibodies against various thermophilic actinomycete species.
    • To compare the reactivity of experimentally produced antibodies with antibodies found in farmer's lung patient sera.

    Main Methods:

    • Production of polyclonal antibodies in rabbits against Micropolyspora faeni, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, T. sacchari, Thermoactinomyces candidus, and Saccharomonospora viridis.
    • Immunodiffusion tests were performed using these rabbit antisera against antigens from multiple strains of thermophilic actinomycetes.
    • Sera from farmer's lung patients were also tested against these antigens.

    Main Results:

    • Rabbit antisera demonstrated strong precipitation reactions with homologous antigens (same species) and weak reactions with heterologous antigens (different species).
    • Sera from farmer's lung patients showed significant cross-reactivity against antigens from various thermophilic actinomycete species.
    • This cross-reactivity suggests a broader immune response in patients with farmer's lung.

    Conclusions:

    • Antibodies generated in rabbits against specific thermophilic actinomycetes are largely species-specific.
    • Farmer's lung patients' immune sera exhibit cross-reactivity, indicating sensitization to multiple species.
    • Environmental exposure to a mix of thermophilic actinomycetes likely leads to a polyvalent antibody response in affected individuals.

    More Related Videos

    Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae06:32

    Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae

    Published on: June 29, 2021

    2.1K
    Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae06:04

    Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

    Published on: February 24, 2023

    3.1K

    Related Concept Videos

    Cross-reactivity00:42

    Cross-reactivity

    Overview
    28.8K
    Allergic Drug Reactions01:27

    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...
    1.6K
    Hypersensitivities01:30

    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...
    7.3K
    Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions01:30

    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...
    223
    Atypical Pneumonia01:14

    Atypical Pneumonia

    Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease...
    88
    Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions01:19

    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...
    287