Figure 6

Hypothesis 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).