Abstract
Food allergy is an increasingly common disease worldwide, and is thought
to be driven by an uncontrolled type 2 immune response. Current
knowledge about the underlying mechanisms that initiate and promote an
inappropriate immune response to dietary allergens is limited.
Sensitization through the skin in early life is considered to be a key
event. Food allergy results from a dysregulated type 2 response to food
allergens, characterized by enhanced levels of IgE, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13
with infiltration of mast cells, eosinophils and basophils during acute
reactions. Recent data implies a possible role of innate lymphoid cells
(ILCs) in driving food allergy. ILCs represent a group of lymphocytes
that lack specific, recombined antigen receptors. They contribute to
immune responses not only through the release of cytokines and other
mediators, but also by responding to cytokines produced by activated
cells in their local microenvironment. Due to their localization at
barrier surfaces of the airways, gut and skin, ILCs form a link between
the innate and adaptive immunity. This review summarizes recent
evidences on how skin and gastrointestinal mucosal immune system
contribute to both homeostasis and the development of food allergy, as
well as the involvement of ILCs towards inflammatory processes and
regulatory mechanisms.