Hypersensitivity Reactions · Pathology

Which of the following clinical scenarios involves a 'hapten' mechanism causing Type IV hypersensitivity?

  1. Penicillin-induced hemolytic anemia
  2. Nickel allergy from jewelry
  3. Allergic rhinitis to pollen
  4. Transfusion reaction
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Correct answer: Nickel allergy from jewelry

Nickel is a hapten—a small molecule that is not antigenic on its own but becomes so when bound to a host protein. In contact dermatitis, these hapten-protein complexes are processed by Langerhans cells and presented to T-cells.

Difficulty: Medium Question 13 of 20

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