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

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.

• Authors: Roberto Berni Canani, Jack A Gilbert, Cathryn R Nagler
• Journal: Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology (Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol) Vol. 15 Issue 3 Pg. 243-9 (Jun 2015) ISSN: 1473-6322 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25827065 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Dietary Fats
• Dietary Fiber

Topics

• Allergens (immunology)
• Animals
• Bacteria (immunology)
• Dietary Fats (adverse effects, immunology)
• Dietary Fiber
• Disease Models, Animal
• Food Hypersensitivity (immunology, microbiology)
• Humans
• Immune Tolerance
• Intestines (immunology, microbiology)
• Mice
• Microbiota (immunology)