Editorial: Innate Cells in the Pathogenesis of Food Allergy

Abstract

Editorial on the Research TopicInnate Cells in the Pathogenesis of Food Allergy Food allergy results from a failure to establish or maintain oral tolerance to certain food proteins and is manifested by adverse responses following ingestion of these foods that range from mild to life-threatening. The increasing prevalence in pediatric and adult food allergy in recent decades and the potentially life-threatening nature of reactions make food allergy a significant public health concern (1). Clinical data and experimental studies establish a role for the adaptive immune system, particularly food-specific IgE, in food allergy. Emerging evidence indicates that innate cells, nonadaptive immune processes, and environmental factors including diet, drugs, and exercise also contribute to abnormal responses to food (2, 3). However, precisely how innate cells, non-adaptive immune processes and factors impact the food allergy diathesis remains poorly understood.This Frontiers Research Topic represents a collection of articles from worldwide experts that collectively present a current overview of mechanisms in food allergy, diagnostics, and treatments, with particular emphasis on the roles played by innate immune cells. We received a total of 16 articles, including 8 Reviews and 1 Perspective on central topics to food allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); and 7 Original Research articles that describe various mechanistic aspects and involvement of innate cells, mediators, microbiota, and factors that alter responses to food in mouse models and humans.

Severe Allergy as a Chronic Inflammatory Condition From a Systems Biology Perspective

“…It is well-described that innate immune cells such as basophils, mast cells, monocytes and eosinophils are involved in inflammatory diseases [60,61]. Nonetheless, it was not until recently that the role of platelets within the innate immune system has been discovered.…”

Food Allergies in Respiratory Sensitization

“…Oral tolerance, an antipode of food allergies and a form of allergen tolerance, is a physiologic process of nutrient absorption with no adverse reaction. However, oral tolerance depends on multiple factors, which can maintain or destabilize it under the everyday entry of food proteins, dynamic gut microbiota, changing signals from neuro molecules, and continuous trafficking of pro-inflammatory cells and molecules [40]. Furthermore, it is unknown if feeding allergens can also induce true immune tolerance after generating a memory immune response [41].…”

Emerging Role of Alarmins in Food Allergy: An Update on Pathophysiological Insights, Potential Use as Disease Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Implications

“…Innate cells contribute to food allergies [ 20 ]. Children with persistent egg allergy present a unique innate immune signature, where there are increasing numbers of circulating inflammatory cytokines-producing myeloid cells [ 21 ].…”