antibody-mediated food allergy

Antibody-mediated food allergy, also known as Type I hypersensitivity, is an abnormal immune response to a harmless food component, typically a protein. This reaction is mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.123

Pathology

1. Sensitization: Upon first exposure to a food allergen, the immune system develops a memory of it and produces IgE antibodies.
2. Re-exposure: When the individual encounters the same allergen again, the IgE antibodies trigger the release of inflammatory molecules like histamine.12
3. Symptoms: These mediators cause a range of symptoms, from mild (itchy skin, digestive upset) to severe and life-threatening anaphylaxis, characterized by airway inflammation and difficulty breathing.12

Common food allergens include eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, and tree nuts. While many children outgrow food allergies, some, like peanut allergies, can be lifelong. Diagnosis often involves blood tests, skin prick tests, or an oral food challenge. The primary treatment for severe reactions is epinephrine.12