Figure 6.

Proposed role of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in type I hypersensitivity. The adherence of MP to respiratory ciliated epithelium causes the production of cytokines and recruitment of lymphocytes and other immune cells. These cytokines influence the Th1/Th2 balance, which leads to the elevated secretion of IL-4 by Th2 cells. The production of IgE antibodies is enhanced by IL-4 receptor signals. Subsequent crosslinking of IgE on basophils and mast cells triggers their degranulation and the release of active substances.