Mycoplasma pneumoniae induces allergy by producing P1-specific immunoglobulin E
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Updated: Feb 13, 2026
Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Qing Ye1, Jian-Hua Mao1, Qiang Shu1
1Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Neonatal Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Background:
Our previous study found that most Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia (MPP)patients had elevated serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.
Objective:
To determine components of MP that can cause an IgE increase in children, and to clarify its specific mechanism.
Methods:
The components of MP cells were isolated by serum IgE from patients with MP pneumonia. These components obtained through the prokaryotic expression were used as allergens to detect the proportion of allergen-specific IgE produced in MPP patients, and the clinical characteristics and related immune parameters of these patients who produced this allergen-specific IgE were also analyzed. In addition, a cell experiment was used to verify the biological effect of these components in vitro.
Results:
P1-specific IgE was detected in serum of MPP children. An approximately 24-kDa polypeptide of P1 protein was obtained through prokaryotic expression purified by nickel agarose affinity chromatography. Approximately 9.2% of MPP patients produced IgE against this polypeptide of P1 protein, which was more likely to be produced in MPP patients with no history of allergies or family history of allergy-related diseases. P1-specific IgE-positive MPP patients had more severe clinical symptoms, with excessive secretion of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 and overdifferentiation of Th0 cells into Th2 cells. Tests also demonstrated that the P1 protein stimulated excessive secretion of IL-4 and IL-5 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the peripheral blood of healthy donors.
Conclusion:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not only an infectious agent but also an allergen for certain individuals. The P1 protein of MP can induce the production of P1-specific IgE.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) can act as an allergen. The P1 protein of MP induces specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in children with MP pneumonia, correlating with more severe symptoms and allergic immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Previous studies indicated elevated total immunoglobulin E (IgE) in most Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia (MPP) patients.
- This study investigates MP components responsible for IgE elevation in children and their underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify specific MP components that trigger IgE production in children with MPP.
- Clarify the immunological mechanisms involved in MP-induced allergic responses.
Main Methods:
- MP cell components were isolated using patient serum IgE.
- Prokaryotic expression yielded a P1 protein polypeptide used as an allergen.
- Allergen-specific IgE, clinical characteristics, and immune parameters were analyzed in MPP patients.
- In vitro cell experiments validated the biological effects of MP components.
Main Results:
- P1-specific IgE was detected in MPP children's serum.
- A 24-kDa P1 protein polypeptide was identified and produced.
- 9.2% of MPP patients produced IgE against the P1 polypeptide, particularly those without allergy history.
- P1-specific IgE positivity correlated with severe symptoms, elevated IL-4/IL-5, and Th2 cell differentiation.
- P1 protein stimulated excessive IL-4/IL-5 secretion in healthy donor cells.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae acts as an allergen in susceptible individuals.
- The P1 protein of MP is capable of inducing P1-specific IgE production.
- This specific IgE response is linked to allergic-type inflammation in MPP.
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