Immune responses to dietary antigens: oral tolerance

Immunol Today. 1998 Apr;19(4):173-81. doi: 10.1016/s0167-5699(97)01239-5.

Abstract

The concept of immunologically mediated tolerance to food antigens through exposure to mucosal antigen has been the subject of continuous scientific debate. After a decline in interest in the mid-1980s, oral tolerance has again attracted the attention of immunologists. Here, Stephan Strobel and Allan Mowat discuss how this central immunological principle has potential new therapeutic applications for the treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory and possibly food-allergic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation
  • Antigens / immunology*
  • Dietary Proteins / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology*
  • Immunity, Mucosal / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mouth Mucosa / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Dietary Proteins