Multifactorial Modulation of Food-Induced Anaphylaxis

Abstract

Prevalence of food-induced anaphylaxis increases progressively and occurs in an unpredictable manner, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients. Intrinsic factors including age, physiological, and genetic features of the patient as well as extrinsic factors such as the intake of drugs and exposure to environmental agents modulate this disorder. It has been proven that diseases, such as mastocytosis, defects in HLA, or filaggrin genes, increase the risk of severe allergic episodes. Certain allergen families such as storage proteins, lipid transfer proteins, or parvalbumins have also been linked to anaphylaxis. Environmental factors such as inhaled allergens or sensitization through the skin can exacerbate or trigger acute anaphylaxis. Moreover, the effect of dietary habits such as the early introduction of certain foods in the diet, and the advantage of the breastfeeding remain as yet unresolved. Interaction of allergens with the intestinal cell barrier together with a set of effector cells represents the primary pathways of food-induced anaphylaxis. After an antigen cross-links the IgEs on the membrane of effector cells, a complex intracellular signaling cascade is initiated, which leads cells to release preformed mediators stored in their granules that are responsible for the acute symptoms of anaphylaxis. Afterward, they can also rapidly synthesize lipid compounds such as prostaglandins or leukotrienes. Cytokines or chemokines are also released, leading to the recruitment and activation of immune cells in the inflammatory microenvironment. Multiple factors that affect food-induced anaphylaxis are discussed in this review, paying special attention to dietary habits and environmental and genetic conditions.

Keywords: IgE; allergens; basophils; diet; food-induced anaphylaxis; mast cells.

Figure 1

Diagram showing genetic, environmental, dietary habits, and allergen-related risk factors for food allergy.

Figure 2

Key features in the immunological mechanisms of intestinal mucosa involved in food allergy and food-induced anaphylaxis. CBP, carboxipeptidase; CMA, chymase; Cys-LT, cysteinyl leukotriene; HIS, histamine; IECs, intestinal epithelial cells; PAF, platelet-activating factor; PG, prostaglandins; TRY, tryptase.