How can pathogens create an allergic reaction in the body?

Pathogens can create an allergic reaction in the body primarily by triggering an immune response. When a pathogen enters the body, the immune system may recognize it as a threat and activate various defensive mechanisms. In some individuals, this immune response can become exaggerated or misdirected, leading to an allergic reaction.

During this process, immune cells may mistakenly identify harmless substances, such as pollen or certain foods, as dangerous pathogens. As a result, they produce IgE antibodies specific to these allergens. Subsequent exposure to the same allergen can cause these antibodies to signal mast cells to release histamines and other chemicals, resulting in the symptoms associated with allergies, such as itching, swelling, and other inflammatory responses.

Other options are less related to the mechanism of allergic reactions. For instance, invading non-living cells is not applicable because pathogens typically affect living cells. While producing antibodies is a part of the immune response, it’s not the direct cause of an allergic reaction; it is the inappropriate production of specific antibodies that leads to allergy. Producing toxins can be a way for pathogens to cause harm, but this does not involve the typical allergic mechanism, which is linked to the immune system’s response to perceived threats. Thus, triggering an immune response is the critical