IMMUNE-MECHANISMS OF FOOD ALLERGY

Food allergy occurs in 1.5% to 6% of the population. However, confirmi ng the diagnosis of food allergic disorders is often difficult because of the lack of reliable, convenient testing and our incomplete unders tanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Several recent studies have expanded the knowledge regarding the pathophysiology and diagnosis of food allergy. Rodent models have elucidated several mechanisms of mas t cell-mediated responses and antigen transport. Although it had been suggested that certain allergic disorders have a genetic predispositio n, investigators are now identifying genomic mutations associated with specific atopic conditions in humans. A novel endoscopic method may p rovide insight into diagnosis, as well as pathophysiology of allergic disorders.