Oral tolerance to protein antigens

Oral tolerance is an active non-response to antigens delivered via the oral route. Mechanisms governing tolerance induction have been well characteriz ed in mouse. Similar studies in man are lacking, although there is evidence that tolerance can be induced. In disease states, tolerance is altered and this may account for the presence of mucosal inflammation. In food hyperse nsitivity there is evidence that allergens may be handled differently and t his may play a role in disease expression.