Question

Many people experience allergic symptoms of sneezing or wheezing on exposure to certain substances in the environment. Give two examples of such substances. Which type of antibodies are produced by the body in response to these substances? Mention the role of mast cells in this kind of allergic response.

Answer 1

The exaggerated response of the immune system to certain antigens present in the environment is called
allergy. The substances to which such an immune response is produced are called allergens.

• Two common examples of allergens are: dust mites, pollen, animal dander etc.
• The antibodies produced by the body in response to allergens are of IgE type.
• Mast cells secrete chemicals like histamine and serotonin which are the cause of allergic responses.