Work

The role of the commensal microbiota in the regulation of tolerance to dietary allergens

Year: 2015

Type: review

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review the evidence that environmental stimuli that perturb naturally selected host-microbe interactions are driving the increasing prevalence of food allergy and examine the mechanisms by which commensal bacteria regulate tolerance to dietary allergens. RECENT FINDINGS: Antibiotic use and the consumption of a high-fat/low-fiber diet have a major and rapid impact on gut bacterial populations, with long-term consequences for both overall microbial community structure and the regulation of host immunity. Recent work emphasizes the role of mucosa-associated commensal bacteria in eliciting a barrier-protective response critical to preventing allergic sensitization to food. Murine model studies are informing the development of novel live biotherapeutic approaches as an adjunctive therapy to enhance antigen-specific oral desensitization and to promote lasting tolerance in patients with food allergy. SUMMARY: Strategies based on modulating the composition and/or functionality of the gut microbiome hold promise for the treatment of food allergy.

Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology

DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000157

Authors: Roberto Berni Canani, Jack A. Gilbert, Cathryn R. Nagler

Institutions: Argonne National Laboratory, University of Chicago, University of Naples Federico II, Zhejiang University, Marine Biological Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Research

Subfield: Immunology and Allergy

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences