Figure 6From: Food allergy enhances allergic asthma in miceHypothesis of the influence of food allergy on the development of asthma. Initial sensitization to food allergen will lead to allergic reaction after allergen re-exposure and induce an increase of intestinal permeability. Then, the development of asthma is influenced by the previous food allergy and this influence is characterized by an increase of RANTES/CCL5 production (1) as well as a stronger activation and recruitment of Th2 cells and eosinophils (2). These events will result in an increase of total and Der f-specific IgE (3) to induce activation and degranulation of inflammatory cells, leading to the induction of a strong bronchial hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and to severe asthma (4).Back to article page