key concept 41.6 Malfunctions in Immunity Can Be Harmful

Sometimes the immune system overreacts, as in an allergic response. Sometimes it attacks self antigens, as in autoimmune disease. And sometimes it fails to act, or acts weakly, as in immune deficiency disease.

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  • Allergic reactions, which can be immediate or delayed, result from an over-stimulation of the immune response.

  • Allergies can be treated by desensitization.

  • Autoimmunity occurs when T cells bind to antigen–MHC complexes that carry self antigens.

  • The study of HIV has led to the development of treatments for HIV.