Rewiring Food Allergy Management: From Allergen Detection to Immune Engineering Therapies

Food allergy represents a growing global health challenge, particularly among children in developed countries. Despite decades of research, major barriers persist in both allergen detection and durable immune intervention.

This review synthesizes current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in food allergy, critically evaluates their mechanistic underpinnings and translational readiness.

Traditional immunoassays (e.g. enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblotting) are sensitive but hindered by matrix interference, operational complexity, and limited real-world applicability. Recent innovations - multi-omics, DNA-based platforms, and portable biosensors - are advancing allergen surveillance toward precision, on-site detection. In parallel, allergen-specific immunotherapies have emerged as proactive strategies for desensitization, yet vary in efficacy, safety, and sustainability. Biologics (e.g. omalizumab, dupilumab) have broadened treatment options, while next-generation platforms - virus-like particle vaccines and microbiome-augmented protocols - are unlocking novel paths toward sustained unresponsiveness.

This review outlines an emerging framework of immune engineering poised to redefine the future of allergy care.