Type II hypersensitivity

Definition

Type II hypersensitivity is an immune response in which the body's immune system mistakenly targets and damages its own cells or tissues. It involves antibodies directed against antigens present on the surface of cells, leading to cell destruction or dysfunction.

Related terms

Antibodies: Proteins produced by the immune system that recognize and bind to specific antigens to neutralize or destroy them.

Antigens:

Substances that trigger an immune response when detected by the body, often seen as foreign by the immune system.

Autoimmune disease: A condition arising from an abnormal immune response to a normal body part, where the body attacks its own cells as if they were foreign invaders