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Pathology · single question

Lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an example of which type of hypersensitivity reaction?

  1. Type II (cytotoxic, antibody-mediated)
  2. Type IV (T-cell mediated, delayed)
  3. Type I (IgE-mediated, immediate)
  4. Type III (immune complex-mediated) hypersensitivity
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Correct answer: D. Type III (immune complex-mediated) hypersensitivity

  • A. Type II hypersensitivity (cytotoxic): Goodpasture syndrome, pemphigus, hemolytic anemia — antibodies target cell surface antigens.
  • B. Type IV (delayed/T-cell mediated): contact dermatitis, tuberculin reaction, lichen planus — no antibody involvement.
  • C. Type I hypersensitivity (IgE-mediated): anaphylaxis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria — immediate reactions.
  • D. Correct. SLE is the classic example of Type III (immune complex) hypersensitivity. In SLE, antibody-antigen complexes (especially anti-dsDNA antibodies + DNA) deposit in tissues (kidney, skin, joints), activating complement and causing inflammation. The butterfly rash and renal damage in SLE are caused by immune complex deposition.

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