Discussion – Allergy
Innate Vs. Acquired Immunity
Innate immunity is the non-specific defense mechanism of the body. It is activated by an antigen’s chemical properties. On the contrary, acquired immunity is specific to an antigen. It is more complex compared to innate immunity. Unlike innate immunity, acquired immunity has a memory that ensures efficient responses against the specific antigen in the future (Marshall, Warrington, Watson & Kim, 2018)
Active Vs. Passive Immunity
Active immunity is when antibodies are produced against specific pathogens or antigens secondary to antigen exposure. It can be gained naturally after infection or by administration of a weakened toxin or pathogen. Passive immunity is acquired when ready-made antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, such as maternal antibodies from a mother to a fetus (Marshall, Warrington, Watson & Kim, 2018).
The Genetic Predisposition of Allergens
Genome-wide association studies suggest that specific gene variations alter epithelial cell-derived cytokine encoding (Smith, 2021). Thymic stromal lymphopoietin and interleukin 33 have been shown to be involved in allergy pathogenesis. As a result, some families, known as atopic families, seem to be predisposed to certain allergic conditions.
Antigen-Antibody Response
The Antigen-antibody response is the specific chemical reaction and interaction between the invading antigen and antibodies during an immune response. An antigen is an exogenous or endogenous substance capable of inducing an immune response. An antibody is a protein substance secreted by the body’s immune system when an antigen is detected. Antibodies have specific receptors and are thus antigen-specific. The antibodies secreted bind to antigens on the pathogen surface, marking them for destruction.
Pathology of Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the inflammation or swelling of the sinus mucous membrane (tissues that line sinuses) and/or exudates into the sinuses (Shital, 2020). Inflammation of the sinuses can be caused by allergic rhinitis (the swelling of nose lining tissue due to allergens), nasal polyps (small growths of the nose lining tissue), common cold, and a deviated septum (nasal cavity shift).
References
Marshall, J., Warrington, R., Watson, W., & Kim, H. (2018). An introduction to immunology and immunopathology. Retrieved 5 May 2021, from https://aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-018-0278-1
Shital, K. (2020). Sinus Infection (Sinusitis). Retrieved 5 May 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinusitis-and-sinus-infection#:~:text=Sinusitis%20is%20an%20inflammation%20or,The%20common%20cold
Smith, Y. (2021). Allergies and Genetics. Retrieved 5 May 2021, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Allergies-and-Genetics.aspx
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Question
Discussion – Allergy
Discussion Prompt
Part 1: Choose a condition from the following case studies: Breast cancer, HIV, Allergy, Endometrial hyperplasia (Week 2 Case Study Details). You may work in small groups of up to 3 students if desired.
Initial Post of Case Study:
- Due: Saturday, 11:59 pm PT
- Length: A minimum of 250 words, not including references
- Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA from within the last 5 years