A patient with recurring nut allergies enrolls in an experimental desensitization trial at the local allergy clinic. What should this patient expect?
A) injection of large doses of suspected antigen over the next few months, with the hope that he will begin producing anti-allergen IgA
B) injection of small doses of anti-antigen antibody over the next few months, with the hope that he will begin producing anti-antibody IgE
C) injection of small doses of suspected antigen over the next few months, with the hope that he will begin producing anti-allergen IgG
D) injection of medium doses of suspected antigen over the next few days, with the hope that he will begin producing anti-allergen IgM
E) injection of medium doses of anti-antigen antibody over the next few years, in hopes of removing all anti-antigen IgE

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient should expect injection of small doses of suspected antigen over the next few months with the hope that he will begin producing anti-allergen IgG. This is the standard protocol for desensitization therapy, where the patient is gradually exposed to increasing doses of the allergen in order to build up tolerance and reduce the severity of allergic reactions. IgG antibodies are the most common type of antibody and are involved in long-term immunity.

A Patient with Recurring Nut Allergies Enrolls in an Experimental