What characterizes hypersensitivity?

Hypersensitivity is characterized by an exaggerated immune response that occurs when the immune system responds too aggressively to a perceived threat, such as an allergen. This overreaction can lead to a range of symptoms, often resulting in conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, or even anaphylaxis. In this context, the immune system misinterprets harmless substances as harmful, leading to excessive antibody production and activation of immune cells, which contribute to the inflammatory response and associated symptoms.

In contrast, a normal immune response is balanced and effective in identifying and neutralizing actual threats without causing excessive harm to the body. An inadequate immune response refers to a situation where the body is unable to adequately defend itself against infections or diseases, which is not characteristic of hypersensitivity. An autoimmune response involves the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues, leading to damage; while this can be severe, it does not specifically embody the definition of hypersensitivity, which is primarily associated with allergy and overreaction to foreign substances.