Figure 2.

Mechanism of food hypersensitivity–induced irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Altered epithelial permeability leads to an increased antigen load, with antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells (DC), resulting in activation of B lymphocytes (B) producing IgE/IgG, and T lymphocytes (T) producing cytokines. Mast cell (M) and eosinophil (EO) activation leads to the release of various chemical mediators. Together, these events may lead to altered gut function, minor inflammation, and abnormal mucosal sensitivity in a subset of patients with IBS.