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Basic Aspects of Allergy and Hypersensitivity Reactions

  • Chapter
Allergy Frontiers: Classification and Pathomechanisms

Part of the book series: Allergy Frontiers ((ALLERGY,volume 2))

Abstract

Key players within immunologically mediated hypersensitivity reactions are allergen-specific IgE or IgG antibodies, immune complexes, or lymphocytes. According to these diverse pathophysiological mechanisms behind the clinical appearance, hypersensitivity reactions are classified into type I through IV. The focus of this chapter lies on the characterization of type I, i.e. IgE-mediated reactions.

In addition to small size and solubility of type I allergen molecules which both support penetration of mucosal and skin barriers, a tendency to form multimers, conformational stability to heat treatment, denaturation and persistence in gastrointestinal digestion are regarded as important features of allergens today. Furthermore, it is documented that the allergenicity of a compound can be enhanced through environmental factors like diesel exhaust, nitration or admixture with other substances contributing adjuvant activity.

Thus, considerable progress has been made in the understanding of the molecular and immunological conditions which are responsible for allergenicity and the consecutive induction of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, Vienna, 1090, Austria

    Isabella Pali-Schöll & Erika Jensen-Jarolim

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  1. Isabella Pali-Schöll
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  2. Erika Jensen-Jarolim
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

    Ruby Pawankar

  2. Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK

    Stephen T. Holgate

  3. Childrens's Mercy Hospital and Clinic, UMKC School of Medicine, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA

    Lanny J. Rosenwasser

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Pali-Schöll, I., Jensen-Jarolim, E. (2009). Basic Aspects of Allergy and Hypersensitivity Reactions. In: Pawankar, R., Holgate, S.T., Rosenwasser, L.J. (eds) Allergy Frontiers: Classification and Pathomechanisms. Allergy Frontiers, vol 2. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-88315-9_1

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