WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Vanshi Kabrawala*, Alefiya Pitolwala, Dhruvi Shah, Arya Shah, Shivam Rajai and Jhanvi Gohil

ABSTRACT

Alloimmunization is an immunological response that occurs when an individual is exposed to foreign antigens from another human, most commonly during pregnancy or blood transfusions. These antigens, typically cell surface proteins, are recognized as non-self by the recipient’s immune system, leading to the production of specific antibodies by white blood cells. These antibodies signal the immune system to target and eliminate antigen-bearing cells. Although this process is a natural defense mechanism against pathogens, its occurrence in response to allogeneic blood products or fetal antigens can have severe clinical consequences, including hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). The pathophysiology of alloimmunization involves complex immune pathways, including the activation of B cells, cytokine signaling, and the generation of memory cells, which amplify the response upon repeated exposure. Understanding the factors that predispose individuals to alloimmunization, such as genetic polymorphisms, immunogenicity of antigens, and prior sensitization events, is critical for predicting and mitigating its effects. This review article provides an in-depth exploration of alloimmunization, covering its immunological underpinnings, clinical implications, and current preventive and therapeutic strategies. Additionally, a case-based scenario is included to contextualize the theoretical aspects and emphasize the real-world impact of alloimmunization, making this review a comprehensive resource for clinicians and researchers in the field.

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