In contrast to sensitisation, which is the process that leads to an immunologic hypersensitivity after exposure to an allergen, oral tolerance is defined as the induction of an antigen-specific immunologic hypo- or non-reactivity after oral ingestion. 1 Normally, lower molecular weight proteins processed by gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) induce oral tolerance without sensitisation. 1 The best means to induce oral tolerance in infants is breastmilk. 1 The intact protein in regular cow’s milk formula may increase the risk of sensitisation, so hydrolysed formulas with lower molecular weight proteins have been developed to avoid early sensitisation. 1
Modified proteins in the prevention and treatment of allergies in non-breastfed infants
October 4, 2021
In contrast to sensitisation, which is the process that leads to an immunologic hypersensitivity after exposure to an allergen, oral tolerance is defined as the induction of an antigen-specific immunologic hypo- or non-reactivity after oral ingestion. 1 Normally, lower molecular weight proteins processed by gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) induce oral tolerance without sensitisation. 1 The best means to induce oral tolerance in infants is breastmilk. 1 The intact protein in regular cow’s milk formula may increase the risk of sensitisation, so hydrolysed formulas with lower molecular weight proteins have been developed to avoid early sensitisation. 1