Talk:Type II hypersensitivity

note
The example of penicillin seems to be wrong. Penicillin is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction and so shouldn't be used as an example for type 2. It even has penicillin under type 1 in the category boxes at the bottom of the screen.

Could somebody come up with an alternative example? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.151.129.237 (talk) 12:33, 2 October 2012 (UTC)

"Type" refers to the specific presentation of each hypersensitivity reaction, and the cellular processes that produce it. Therefore, penicillin can be the offending agent in Type I or Type II hypersensitivity reactions. Type I hypersensitivity is a result of increased IgE production. Type I reactions to penicillin produce a rapid, atopic allergy presenting as local or systemic inflammation,i.e., rashes or anaphylaxis.

Type II hypersensitivity reactions are cytotoxic and involve auto-antibodies that trigger cell destruction. A Type II reaction to penicillin would present as hemolytic anemia. One Type II reaction that is well known is ABO transfusion reaction.

Type III hypersensitivity is an immune complex reaction to antigens. The immune complexes become lodged in vessels and most commonly affect connective tissues. Type III reactions present as inflammation in vessels, joints, skin and kidneys. The inflammation results in tissue damage. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus are examples of Type III hypersensitivity reactions.Anybara (talk) 02:18, 8 April 2013 (UTC)

It might be helpful to make a clearer distinction in this article between antigens and antibodies, as well as the difference between "self" and "foreign"as they relate to the organization of the immune system.Anybara (talk) 02:40, 8 April 2013 (UTC)

Question: What is meant by foreign versus autoimmune? e.g. Why would pernicious anemia be classified under foreign while rheumatic fever is classified under autoimmune? Isn't molecular mimicry a possible underlying cause for both of these? Holoclothes (talk) 12:41, 26 May 2014 (UTC)