AUTHOR=Ali Ayesha , Tan HuiYing , Kaiko Gerard E. 

TITLE=Role of the Intestinal Epithelium and Its Interaction With the Microbiota in Food Allergy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.604054

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2020.604054

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<p>The intestinal epithelial tract forms a dynamic lining of the digestive system consisting of a range of epithelial cell sub-types with diverse functions fulfilling specific niches. The intestinal epithelium is more than just a physical barrier regulating nutrient uptake, rather it plays a critical role in homeostasis through its intrinsic innate immune function, pivotal regulation of antigen sensitization, and a bi-directional interplay with the microbiota that evolves with age. In this review we will discuss these functions of the epithelium in the context of food allergy.</p>