Microbiome-based approaches to food allergy treatment

The relatively recent increase in chronic inflammatory disorders, including food allergy, is thought to be due to inappropriate or misdirected immune responses accompanied by insufficient development of immune regulatory networks. The human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, and disrupted communication between the microbiome and the host due to altered microbiome composition and/or metabolism is thought to negatively influence immune homeostatic networks and may play a role in immune hypersensitivity to environmental exposures, such as allergens. In this article we will review the evidence available that links microbiome dysbiosis with food allergy, and discuss the potential mechanisms through which the microbiota can impact immune responses within the gut.