A patient develops an allergic reaction after exposure to pollen. Which type of
Practice Questions
Q1
A patient develops an allergic reaction after exposure to pollen. Which type of immune response is primarily involved?
Cell-mediated immunity
Humoral immunity
Innate immunity
Autoimmunity
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A patient develops an allergic reaction after exposure to pollen. Which type of immune response is primarily involved?
Correct Answer: Humoral immunity (IgE antibodies)
Step 1: Understand that allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to a substance, like pollen.
Step 2: Identify that the immune system has different types of responses, including humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity.
Step 3: Recognize that humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies by B cells.
Step 4: Learn that in allergic reactions, a specific type of antibody called IgE is produced.
Step 5: Conclude that the primary immune response involved in allergic reactions, such as the one to pollen, is mediated by IgE antibodies.
Humoral Immunity – A type of immune response that involves the production of antibodies by B cells, particularly IgE in the case of allergic reactions.
IgE Antibodies – A class of antibodies that play a crucial role in allergic reactions and are responsible for mediating responses to allergens like pollen.
Allergic Reactions – An exaggerated immune response to a substance (allergen) that is typically harmless, leading to symptoms such as itching, swelling, and inflammation.