Oral tolerance describes how the oral administration of harmless antigens (such as dietary proteins) leads to systemic immune unresponsiveness to these antigens. Its failure can lead to conditions such as food allergies. This Review from Cerovic, Pabst and Mowat explores new insights into the mechanisms of oral tolerance, discussing how ingested antigens enter and are processed in the intestine, the roles for unique antigen-presenting cells and the induction of immunosuppressive T cell populations. The authors also examine the maintenance of tolerance to bacterial antigens in the intestine, and they discuss the mechanisms behind the failure of oral tolerance and potential clinical interventions.
- Vuk Cerovic
- Oliver Pabst
- Allan McI Mowat
