What type of immune process is responsible for anaphylactic reactions?

The immune process responsible for anaphylactic reactions is an IgE-mediated reaction. In this type of immune response, exposure to an allergen leads to the activation of B cells to produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These IgE antibodies then bind to mast cells and basophils, two types of immune cells that play a crucial role in allergic responses.

Upon subsequent exposure to the same allergen, the allergen cross-links with the IgE on the surface of these mast cells and basophils, resulting in rapid degranulation. This degranulation releases a range of mediators, such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, leading to the symptoms associated with anaphylaxis, including vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and bronchoconstriction. This response can happen very quickly—often within minutes—resulting in life-threatening conditions such as airway swelling, difficulty breathing, and profound hypotension.

While serious allergic reactions and atopic reactions may describe broader categories of allergic responses, they do not specifically indicate the precise mechanism of IgE involvement characteristic of anaphylaxis. Similarly, "antibody reaction" lacks the specificity of detailing the role of IgE in this context. Understanding the