Immune tolerance is defined as nonresponsiveness of the adaptive immune system to
antigens. Immune mechanisms preventing inappropriate immune reactivity to innocuous
antigens include deletion of reactive lymphocytes and generation of regulatory T (Treg)
cells. The normal response to food antigens is the generation of antigen-specific Treg cells.
In patients with food allergy, the dominant immune response is a TH2-skewed T-cell
response and the generation of food-specific IgE antibodies from B cells. It is not known …