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Browsing by Author "Naia, Catarina Isabel Carvalho"

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  • The Role of Innate Lymphoid Cells in Food Allergy
    Publication . Naia, Catarina Isabel Carvalho; Ibáñez, Carlos Lozoya; Fonseca, Ana Mafalda Loureiro
    Food allergy is a disorder caused by an exacerbated immunologic reaction, which occurs in response to specific allergenic substances, present in certain foods, such as tree nuts, milk, fish, and shellfish. It is estimated to affect around 1-20% of the European population, with its prevalence varying according to the diagnostic methodology used. Moreover, in the last years, systematic reviews have indicated an increasing prevalence, which suggests an important public health problem. Clinical manifestations of food allergy are wide-ranging and can affect the dermatologic, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. The intensity of the symptoms is highly variable, ranging from mild reactions to severe and potentially fatal reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Innate lymphoid cells are immune cells that differ from T and B lymphocytes mainly for not possessing receptor-specific antigens on their surface. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells respond to previously activated cells, releasing cytokines that promote inflammation and the development of allergic symptoms. Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the esophageal mucosa, with a predominantly eosinophilic infiltrate. 70% of the patients diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis have a previous history of food allergy. In these patients, the number of Innate Lymphoid Cells is increased in the esophageal mucosa, suggesting that these cells, by promoting inflammation, can also promote the development of Eosinophilic Esophagitis. In conclusion, this review aims to clarify and detail the functions of Innate Lymphoid Cells which, through the production of cytokines and interactions with other immune cells, may contribute to the pathophysiology of food allergy and influence its possible treatments.
    2024-05-13Master thesis Open access Show more