T07016: Investigation of immune responses to food allergens in individuals with a clinical spectrum of sensitivity to different foods
Monday 4 November 2002
This research project aims to look at people with multiple allergies and examine why some foods cause serious symptoms in some people, while others will cause only mild or no symptoms at all.
Results and findings
The aim of this two-year study was to establish whether there are qualitative and quantitative differences in immune responses to foods associated with a range of allergic reactions to food, including tolerance, persisting allergy and anaphylaxis.
The study examined cellular immune responses to different foods in children with multiple food allergies, and found that immune response patterns could be defined relating to the risk of an acute allergic reaction to different foods in allergic individuals.
The contractors concluded that the data presented might be useful in assessing the severity of allergic reaction to a variety of foods, and so protect those at risk of developing severe reactions to food challenges under laboratory conditions.
Please note that the conclusion in the report of this work was presented by the team of researchers; it does not represent the view of the Agency.
Contact: Dr Joelle Buck
Tel: 020 7276 8516
Email: joelle.buck@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk