Cytokine responses to egg protein in previously allergic children who developed tolerance naturally

Abstract

Egg allergy is the second most common food allergy in childhood, with 1% to 2% of Americans affected.1,2 Although approximately 70% of children outgrow this allergy,3 few studies have explored the mechanism by which children naturally outgrow the allergy (natural tolerance [NT]). Most studies have compared children with allergy with those who were never allergic, have not evaluated allergen-specific responses, or have only focused on treatment inducing desensitization (oral immunotherapy). Although not previously demonstrated in food allergy, tolerance to venom has been associated with elevation of interleukin (IL)-10.