Modulation of gut microbiota downregulates the development of food allergy in infancy

S Tsabouri; K N Priftis; N Chaliasos; A Siamopoulou

doi:10.1016/j.aller.2013.03.010

Modulation of gut microbiota downregulates the development of food allergy in infancy

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2014 Jan-Feb;42(1):69-77. doi: 10.1016/j.aller.2013.03.010. Epub 2013 Jul 1.

Authors

S Tsabouri¹, K N Priftis², N Chaliasos³, A Siamopoulou³

Affiliations

¹ Child Health Department, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece. Electronic address: stsabouri@gmail.com.
² Third Department of Paediatrics, University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
³ Child Health Department, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece.

PMID: 23827644
DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2013.03.010

Abstract

In humans, microbial colonisation of the intestine begins just after birth. However, development of the normal flora is a gradual process, which is initially determined by factors such as genetic aspects, the maternal-foetal interaction, place and mode of delivery, early feedings strategies, and the use of antibiotics. Current knowledge on the significance and impact of the gut microflora on the development of the gut immune system indicates that a close relationship between allergic sensitisation and the development of the intestinal microflora may occur in infancy. Intestinal micro-organisms could downregulate the allergic inflammation by counterbalancing type 2 T-helper cell responses and by enhancing allergen exclusion through an immunological response.

Keywords: Food allergy; Infancy; Microbiota.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Cytokines / immunology
Food Hypersensitivity / immunology*
Food Hypersensitivity / microbiology*
Humans
Immunity, Mucosal
Immunomodulation
Infant, Newborn
Intestines / immunology*
Microbiota / immunology*
Th1-Th2 Balance
Th2 Cells / immunology*

Substances

Cytokines