Mechanisms in adverse reactions to food. Mechanisms of tolerance and sensitization in the intestine and other organs of the body.

Abstract

The intestinal tract is the major immunological organ of the human body. The gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) play an important role in the suppression of adverse reactions to foods and in the induction of "Oral Tolerance". Immunologically mediated clinical reactions to foods exist outside the gut environment and can affect virtually all organ systems.