Themes > Science > Life Sciences > General Biology > Immunology > The Immune System & Disease > Hypersensitivity and Chronic Inflammation > Summary of Hypersensitivity classification

TYPE DESCRIPTIVE INITIATION MECHANISM EXAMPLES
  NAME TIME    
I IgE-mediated hypersensitivity 2-30 mins Ag induces cross-linking of IgE bound to mast cells with release of vasoactive mediators Systemic anaphylaxis, Local anaphylaxis, Hay fever, Asthma, Eczema
II Antibody-mediated cytotoxic hypersensitivity 5-8hrs Ab directed against cell-surface antigens mediates cell destruction via ADCC or complement Blood transfusion reactions, Haemolytic disease of the newborn, Autoimmune Haemolytic anaemia
III Immune-complex mediated hypersensitivity 2-8hrs Ag-Ab complexes deposited at various sites induces mast cell degranulation via FcgammaRIII, PMN degranulation damages tissue Arthus reaction (Localised); Systemic reactions disseminated rash, arthritis, glomerulonephritis
IV cell-mediated hypersensitivity 24-72hrs Memory TH1 cells release cytokines that recruit and activate macrophages Contact dermatitis, Tubercular lesions


Information provided by: http://www-immuno.path.cam.ac.uk