Epithelial barrier regulation, antigen sampling, and food allergy

Food allergy is often associated with development of atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a strong association with skin barrier gene mutations. Loss-of-function mutations in skin barrier genes increase transepidermal water loss. Also, reduction of the skin barrier can be mediated by environmental exposures. In preclinical studies of mice with skin barrier disruption, exposure to allergens on the skin induces food allergy. Exposure to food allergens on the skin with coexposure of the skin to other environmental factors induces signals in the skin for activation of food allergy, allergen-specific IgE, and oral food-induced anaphylaxis. In contrast, oral food allergen consumption before skin exposure to food allergen induces tolerance to the food allergen. However, this induction of tolerance may be blocked if skin is exposed to environmental allergens at the time of initial oral food allergen consumption. Further studies are needed to address the mechanisms of induction of food allergy by coexposure of the skin to food allergens, aeroallergens, and other environmental factors. Furthermore, clinical studies are needed to determine the effects of food allergen on skin before skin development of atopic dermatitis.

Automated summary

Food allergy is closely associated with the development of atopic dermatitis. Mutations in skin barrier genes and environmental exposures can affect skin barrier function. In mouse studies, exposure to allergens on the skin induces food allergy, while coexposure of the skin to other environmental factors activates food allergy, allergen-specific IgE, and oral food-induced anaphylaxis. However, if the skin is exposed to environmental allergens at the time of initial oral food allergen consumption, the induction of tolerance may be blocked. Further research and clinical studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of food allergy induction and the effects of food allergens on the skin before the development of atopic dermatitis.