antistoffreaksjoner

Antistoffreaksjoner, also known as antibody-mediated reactions, are immune responses in which antibodies bind to a target antigen, leading to a downstream effect. These reactions are fundamental to many therapeutic and diagnostic procedures that involve biologics, such as monoclonal antibody drugs, vaccines, and blood products. The binding of an antibody to its target can trigger a range of physiological events, including complement activation, cell-mediated cytotoxicity, or the release of inflammatory mediators.

There are two broad categories of antistoffreaksjoner. Immediate-type reactions occur within minutes to an hour after exposure and are usually mediated by IgE antibodies that activate mast cells and basophils. Symptoms may include hives, itching, bronchospasm, and in severe cases anaphylaxis. Delayed or late-phase reactions occur several hours to days later and are typically mediated by IgG or IgM antibodies, producing symptoms such as fever, rash, or organ-specific inflammation.

Clinical recognition of antistoffreaksjoner is essential for patient safety. Diagnostic work‑up may involve serum tryptase levels, specific IgE testing, or complement component measurement. Management relies on supportive care; for anaphylaxis, intramuscular epinephrine is first-line. Corticosteroids and antihistamines are used for non‑severe reactions. In some cases, pre‑medication strategies or desensitization protocols are employed to allow continued use of biologic agents.

Prevention focuses on careful patient screening and monitoring. Genetic or environmental predispositions to hypersensitivity can guide the choice of biologic therapy. Ongoing research aims to reduce immunogenicity by engineering humanized antibodies, using pegylation, or administering tolerance-inducing agents.