Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome: laboratory perspectives

The expression of food protein allergy in man is very heterogeneous, varies with the age of the subject and is to a certain extent genetically determined. Skin prick tests with standardized food extracts are a sensitive method for detection of immunoglobulin E bound to reactive cells such as mast cells. Various tests on cellular immunity have been developed, especially because T-cell mediated reactions are considered to play a role in mainly delayed gastrointestinal reactions to cow's milk proteins. Food allergy may involve the entire gut, from mouth to rectum, including the esophagus. Abnormalities in intestinal permeability are the hallmarks of the inflamed gut, and may contribute to diagnosis of food induced enteropathy. What determines the characteristics of the intestinal inflammatory response is largely the cytokine responses triggered by the pathologic mechanism, whatever its origin, in the stomach, the small intestine, and the colon. A so-called T-helper type 2 response is characteristic of the allergic subject. A secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha alpha by blood cells of children allergic to milk was shown. All means of investigation may help in analyzing food substitutes for allergic infants.