The escalating worldwide occurrence and prevalence of immune responses to food proteins, such as those derived from wheat, milk, eggs, or peanuts, pose a significant threat to human well-being. Despite attempts made in recent years - involving either enzymatic degradation, structural modification, gene silencing, or immunotherapy strategies, unfortunately, up to now, there are no treatments that can cure or provide protection from food-allergic reactions. In fact, there is only one option available: a strict dietary avoidance of allergen-containing food and education regarding management of immune reactions.

A better understanding of the main nutritional mechanisms involved in these immune responses will likely be vital for disease control and prevention. In parallel, the growing demand of sustainable, functional and inclusive foods require alternatives capable of improving the quality of life of people suffering from immune reactions to food while avoiding their typically associated nutritional deficits. In this context, dietary polyphenols arise as promising tools. A growing body of evidence now suggests that food phenolics inhibit pro-inflammatory immune pathways, by modulating the activity of proteins involved gene expression and cell signaling, thus leading to protective effects against many inflammation-mediated diseases. Indeed, consumption of phenolics through diet has been related with a lower prevalence of immune reaction to foods.

Under this scenario, the Research Topic aims to uncover several topics to properly understand the mechanisms by which food phenolics can modulate the onset and progression of immune reactions to foods. This Research Topic is mainly dedicated to compile research findings in:
- Polyphenol-protein binding mechanisms and impact on immune reactions to foods: from cell receptors to intracellular signaling;
- Polyphenol’s impact on intestinal epithelial barrier structure and function,
- Polyphenol’s, oxidative stress and inflammation;
- Impact of polyphenol-rich diets on food reactions, pharmacokinetics and markers for prevention;
- Polyphenol-based targeted approaches.

Both in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies are welcome. Original manuscripts are preferred but review articles can be also considered.

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Frontiers in Allergy

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