Which cells mediate the early allergic response?

Which cells mediate the early allergic response?

• A. Cytokines
• B. Mast cells and basophils
• C. Neutrophils and mononuclear cells
• D. Macrophages and immunoglobulin G

Answer: (B)

The early allergic response is primarily mediated by mast cells and basophils. These cells play a crucial role in the immediate hypersensitivity reactions typically associated with allergies. When an allergen enters the body for the first time, it may sensitize the immune system, leading to the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE). This IgE binds to mast cells and basophils, which are then primed to respond upon re-exposure to the same allergen. Upon subsequent encounters with the allergen, cross-linking of the IgE antibodies bound to these cells leads to their degranulation. This process releases various mediators, such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which contribute to the symptoms of allergic reactions, including vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and smooth muscle contraction. This response is typically rapid and can lead to immediate symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and wheezing. While cytokines are involved in the immune response, and other cells like neutrophils, mononuclear cells, and macrophages play significant roles in inflammation and chronic responses, they do not initiate the early allergic reaction like mast cells and basophils do. Thus, this highlights the important functional role of mast

The early allergic response is primarily mediated by mast cells and basophils. These cells play a crucial role in the immediate hypersensitivity reactions typically associated with allergies. When an allergen enters the body for the first time, it may sensitize the immune system, leading to the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE). This IgE binds to mast cells and basophils, which are then primed to respond upon re-exposure to the same allergen.

Upon subsequent encounters with the allergen, cross-linking of the IgE antibodies bound to these cells leads to their degranulation. This process releases various mediators, such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which contribute to the symptoms of allergic reactions, including vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and smooth muscle contraction. This response is typically rapid and can lead to immediate symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and wheezing.

While cytokines are involved in the immune response, and other cells like neutrophils, mononuclear cells, and macrophages play significant roles in inflammation and chronic responses, they do not initiate the early allergic reaction like mast cells and basophils do. Thus, this highlights the important functional role of mast