Fig. 4: Type-I Hypersensitivity, Step-4

The next time the allergen enters the body, it cross-links the Fab portions of the IgE bound to the mast cell. This triggers the mast cell to degranulate, that is, release its histamine and other inflammatory mediators. The inflammatory mediators are now able to bind to receptors on target cells which leads to dilation of blood vessels, constriction of bronchioles, excessive mucus secretion, and other symptoms of allergy.

Illustration of Type-I Hypersensitivity, Step-4 .jpg by Gary E. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology, The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://cwoer.ccbcmd.edu/science/microbiology/index_gos.html.

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Last updated: Feb., 2021
Please send comments and inquiries to Dr. Gary Kaiser