Roles of T-cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain Genes and Toll-like Receptors in Wheezy Children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to explore possible factors influencing wheezing in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP).

METHODS: The study included 84 children with MPP, who were divided into two groups: wheezy group (n=40) and non-wheezy group (n=44), along with 30 age-matched healthy controls. T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain gene (Tim) 1, 3 and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, 4 were evaluated using RT-PCR. Serum IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IgE were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Peripheral blood eosinophil (EOS) was measured by an automated haematology.

RESULTS: Children with MPP had markedly increased TLR2, TLR4, Tim1, IL-10, TNF-α, IgE and EOS, and decreased IFN-γ than the healthy controls. In the presence of MPP, wheezy children had significantly elevated TLR2, Tim1, Tim3, TNF-α, IgE and EOS than non-wheezy children. In wheezy children with MPP, MP-specific antibody titre was positively correlated with TLR2 and TIM1, and negatively correlated with IFN-γ. IgE was positively correlated with TLR2, TLR4 and Tim1, while EOS was positively correlated with Tim1 and Tim3.

CONCLUSION: TLR2, Tim1, Tim3, TNF-α, IgE and EOS play a role in MPP-related wheezing in children. The role of IgE might be associated with TLR2 and Tim1, and the role of EOS might be associated with Tim1 and Tim3.