Diseases caused by Antibodies - Allergy and Hypersensitivity Disorders

Diseases caused by Antibodies

Antibodies against tissue antigens

·        Cause disease specific for that cell/tissue

·        Usually auto-antibodies: but may be a foreign antigen that is immunologically cross-reactive with a component of self-tissues

·        Usually IgG or IgM

·        Antibodies may be specific for cellular structures: eg receptors. May lead to interference in function, eg myasthenia gravis, Graves disease

 Immune complexes formed from a soluble antigen and specific antibody

·        Formed in the circulation, deposit typically in arteries, glomeruli, synovia

·        Leads to local leucocyte activation and tissue injury

·       Antigens can be foreign or self antigens, antibodies are usually IgG or IgM