Sensitization

Sensitization is an "immunization" process caused by the "exposure to allergens that results in the development of hypersensitivity"^[1].

The first exposure to an antigen will lead to sensitization which results in the development of allergic reaction for subsequent exposures^_[2].

During the first exposure to antigen, B lymphocytes that detect the antigen will stimulateImmunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies production^[2]. The 'binding of IgE antibodies to high affinity IgE receptors, FcεRI on the surface of mast cells' will lead to the formation of 'IgE binding cells'^[2].

Through these steps, the individual has become sensitized to that antigen^[2]. The subsequent exposure to the same allergens will trigger the activation of IgE binding cells (mast cells) to secrete the granule contents which cause the allergic symptoms^[2].

References:

1. TheFreeDictionary.com. sensitization [Internet]. 2015 [cited 3 December 2015]. Available from: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/sensitization

2. Murphy K, Travers P, Walport M, Janeway C. (2012) Janeway’s Immunobiology (571 – 581), 8th edition, New York: Garland Science.