Oral tolerance induction

Oral tolerance induction is a process whereby exposure to antigens (such as food proteins) via the oral route activates specialized mucosal immune mechanisms that result in local and systemic unresponsiveness to those antigens. Key steps involve antigen sampling by dendritic cells in the intestinal lamina propria, migration to gut-draining lymph nodes, and induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), especially Foxp3+ Tregs, which suppress inflammatory responses and maintain immune homeostasis. The dose and presentation of antigen, gut microenvironment, microbiota composition, and host genetics influence the induction and maintenance of oral tolerance. Oral tolerance is crucial for preventing immune reactions to harmless food antigens and commensal bacteria, failures of which can lead to food allergies and autoimmune diseases. This entry does not define a specific molecule, protein, or receptor target and should not be considered a canonical target for drug development purposes. The biological actors involved include regulatory T cells (Foxp3+), mucosal dendritic cells (especially CD103+ DCs), macrophages, and various cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-β.

Other names

Oral tolerancemucosal tolerance