Question

Why does the immune response intensify in a child upon repeated exposure to peanuts?

a) Because a tolerogen is present in peanuts.
b) Because an adjuvant intensifies the allergic response.
c) Because the child has developed an adaptive immune response to a peanut protein.
d) Because peanuts contain a hapten that induces an immune response.
e) Because an innate immune response is triggered by peanut exposure.

Answer 1

The intensification of the immune response to peanuts in a child is due to the development of an adaptive immune response, with IgE antibodies recognizing peanut proteins upon repeated exposures, causing a heightened allergic reaction. The correct option is c) Because the child has developed an adaptive immune response to a peanut protein.

Step-by-step explanation:

The immune response intensifies in a child upon repeated exposure to peanuts because c) the child has developed an adaptive immune response to a peanut protein.

After the first exposure to peanuts, the immune system produces IgE antibodies, which bind to mast cells. During subsequent exposures, the IgE antibodies on the mast cells recognize peanut proteins as allergens, causing the mast cells to release histamine and other mediators that intensify the allergic response.

This is known as Type I Hypersensitivity, where exposure to an allergen leads to an immediate and heightened immune response, manifesting as allergy symptoms. These can range from mild, like sneezing and itching, to severe reactions, such as anaphylactic shock. The correct option is c) Because the child has developed an adaptive immune response to a peanut protein.