Archives in Food and Nutrition

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (629)348-3199

Opinion Article - Archives in Food and Nutrition (2023) Volume 6, Issue 5

Unraveling the complex relationship between immunology and food allergiesb

Nakada Satoshi *

Department of Pediatric Nursing, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Nursing, Turkey

*Corresponding Author:
Nakada Satoshi
Department of Pediatric Nursing, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Nursing, Turkey
E-mail: satoshi@hotmail.com

Received: 03-Oct-2023, Manuscript No. AAAFN-23- 118212; Editor assigned: 04-Oct-2023, PreQC No. AAAFN-23- 118212 (PQ); Reviewed:17-Oct-2023, QC No. AAAFN-23- 118212; Revised:19-Oct-2023, Manuscript No. AAAFN-23- 118212 (R); Published:25-Oct-2023, DOI:10.35841/aaafn-6.5.166

Citation: Satoshi N. Unraveling the complex relationship between immunology and food allergies. Arch Food Nutr. 2023;6(5):166

Visit for more related articles at Archives in Food and Nutrition

Introduction

Introduction Food allergies have become a growing concern in recent years, affecting millions of people worldwide. From peanuts and shellfish to dairy and gluten, a wide range of food allergens can trigger adverse reactions, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. While these allergies are generally well understood from a clinical perspective, their underlying immunological mechanisms are remarkably complex and continue to intrigue researchers. This article delves into the intricate relationship between immunology and food allergies, shedding light on the fundamental processes that lead to these adverse reactions and exploring recent breakthroughs in the field [1].

To understand food allergies, it's crucial to comprehend the immune system's role in recognizing and responding to foreign substances, which it does through two primary arms: the innate and adaptive immune systems. The innate immune system acts as the first line of defense, rapidly identifying and attacking any perceived threats. On the other hand, the adaptive immune system is highly specific and remembers previous encounters with allergens, mounting a more precise response upon subsequent exposure [2].

Food allergies are essentially the result of a miscommunication between the immune system and harmless dietary proteins. In individuals with food allergies, the immune system erroneously identifies certain food proteins as harmful invaders, leading to an overzealous immune response [3].

Allergic reactions occur in two stages. The first encounter with a food allergen is typically uneventful. However, during this initial exposure, the immune system may start producing specific antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) against the allergen. IgE is designed to recognize and combat foreign invaders, but in the context of allergies, it's activated unnecessarily [4].

The second exposure to the same allergen triggers the allergic reaction. When the allergen is ingested again, it binds to IgE antibodies on the surface of specialized immune cells called mast cells and basophils. This interaction prompts the release of histamine and other chemical mediators, which cause the familiar symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, gastrointestinal distress, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis [5].

Conclusion

The intricate interplay between immunology and food allergies has been a subject of extensive research and investigation. This complex relationship underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the immunological mechanisms that underlie food allergy development. As we've explored in this discussion, the immune system plays a pivotal role in both protecting the body and sometimes triggering hypersensitivity reactions to certain foods. It is crucial to appreciate the multifaceted nature of food allergies, considering factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and the gut microbiome.

References

  1. Papapostolou N . Atopic dermatitis and food allergy: A complex interplay what we know and what we would like to learn. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022;11(14):4232.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Louka AS, Sollid LM. HLA in coeliac disease: unravelling the complex genetics of a complex disorder. Tissue antigens.;61(2):105-17.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Tran TA. Unraveling a novel type of severe food allergy. Inst för medicin, Solna/Dept of Medicine, Solna; 2016.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar

  4. Tang HH. Systems biology and big data in asthma and allergy: Recent discoveries and emerging challenges . European Respiratory Journal. 2020;55(1).

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Ruiter B, Shreffler WG. Innate immune stimulatory properties of allergens and their relevance to food allergy. InSeminars in immunopathology (Vol. 34, pp. 617-632). Springer-Verlag.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App