Study explores how children develop tolerance to food allergies

Two types of allergy mechanisms

Food allergies in children can develop through different immune responses. Many are IgE-mediated, involving allergy antibodies – peanut allergy is a typical example. However, some reactions are not caused by IgE antibodies. One such condition is food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), which is less well known and often harder to diagnose.

“Food allergies are often mediated by allergy antibodies, so-called IgE antibodies. An example is peanut allergy. There are also food intolerances mediated by other mechanisms than IgE. An example of non-IgE-mediated food intolerance is food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, FPIES,” the research foundation writes in its grant justification.
(Source: Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association)

Long-term follow-up of children with FPIES

The project includes a longitudinal study of children diagnosed with FPIES. Since the condition is not detectable through standard allergy tests, diagnosis and management can be challenging. By tracking children over time, the research aims to understand how tolerance may develop naturally.

Studying peanut allergy and quality of life

Another part of the study looks at children with peanut allergy who have undergone oral immunotherapy (OIT). This treatment involves gradually introducing small doses of peanut protein to build up tolerance. The study compares the quality of life between families whose children received OIT and those who did not.

“The project includes a longitudinal study of tolerance development in children with FPIES. In another part, the quality of life of families whose children have undergone oral immunotherapy, OIT, for peanut allergy is studied, compared with children who have not undergone OIT,” the foundation states.
(Source: Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association)