Type III reactions are also mediated by proteins i.e. IgM and IgG antibodies.
These antibodies react with the allergen to form immunocomplexes (antigen-antibody complexes). These complexes are responsible for the reaction.
Type III allergic reactions can be seen in
Type IV or cell-mediated reactions: Type IV allergic reactions are also called the delayed type of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions as they occur after at least 24 hours of exposure to the allergen. These reactions typically take 48-72 hours or longer to appear after contact with the allergen. Many long-term infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, show cell-mediated reactions. Certain skin sensitivity reactions esp. to metals may also belong to this type.
Substances that trigger an allergic reaction are called allergens. They include:
The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
The blood–brain barrier, blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and similar fluid–brain barriers separate the peripheral immune system from the neuroimmune system which protects the brain.
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Likewise, the immune system clears the body’s own cells that have become senescent or abnormal, such as cancer cells.
Finally, normal host tissues occasionally become the subject of inappropriate immune attack, such as in autoimmune diseases or in settings where normal cells are harmed as innocent bystanders when the immune system mounts an inflammatory response to an invader.
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To accomplish this goal, the immune system is equipped with a rapid response mechanism, exquisite specificity, adaptability, an intricate regulatory network, and memory.
It also exhibits immunologic tolerance, to avoid immune damage to normal self-tissues. It also prevents and repels attacks by autoimmune phenomena.
leads to inflammatory and allergic responses.
{The immune system also provides an inflammatory response to trauma. When tissue or cells are damaged, molecules that act as endogenous danger signals can be released. These danger signals may include molecules such as uric acid (produced by purine metabolism), which, if present at high concentrations, can form crystals that innate immune sensors recognize and thus activate immune and inflammatory responses.
The immune system, composed of antigens, antibodies, and several specialized leukocyte (white blood cell) types, offers the human body adaptable protection against infections and invasion by foreign molecules and cells. Besides responses by antibodies and cells, the immune system is also composed of a complement-activated pathway that allows an alternative to respond to infectious organisms.
Uncontrolled immune responses can lead to tissue damage or death.