Basic Immunology

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Basic Immunology

Allergy
Author Credentials 

Michael Platt MD, MSc
American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy

Module Learning Objectives 
  1. Summarize the components of the immune system.
  2. Describe the basic immune responses and hypersensitivity reactions. 
  3. Explain the immunologic features of the type I allergic response.
  4. Recognize immune changes that occur with allergy treatments and immunotherapy desensitization.

 

Anatomy

Learning Objectives 
  • Review the cellular and non-cellular composition of the immune system: white blood cells, immunoglobins, soluble mediators 
  • Summarize the basic immune characteristics: surveillance, recognition, specificity, clonal expansion, amplification, memory, antigen, epitope, innate vs adaptive immunity 

 

References 
  1. Toskala E. Immunology. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2014 Sep;4 Suppl 2:S21-7.

Pathogenesis

Learning Objectives 
  • Describe the immunologic reactions involved in allergy
    • Gel and Coombs Type I-IV reactions 
    • Th1, Th2, Treg immune responses
    • Early phase and late phase responses

 

References 
  1. Fireman P: Immunology of allergic disorders, in Fireman P, Slavin RG: Atlas of Allergies, Times-Mirror, London, 1966, pp 1-26
  2. Schofield M1, Calhoun KH. Immunology of allergy. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2011 Jun;44(3):591-601
  3. Toskala E.  Immunology. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2014 Sep;4 Suppl 2:S21-7

 

Review

Review Questions 
  1. Describe the immunologic steps that occur when an inhalant allergen triggers a nasal allergy response. 
  2. What are the mediators involved in Type 1 allergic reactions?
  3. What are the immunologic changes that occur during desensitization immunotherapy?
  4. Discuss the various methods by which allergy testing can be carried out and disadvantages of the various methods.

 

Resources 

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  1. Annual Meeting Webcast (AMW):
  2. ENT for the PA-C: