A swine model of soy protein–induced food allergenicity: implications in human and swine nutrition

Abstract

Implications: Basic digestive processes result in the breakdown of most foodborne antigens; however, a small proportion of food-derived antigens cross the intestinal barrier leading to a brief period of hypersensitivity that is usually followed by the development of oral tolerance. A shift from oral tolerance to sensitization marks the potential for clinical allergy development. The anatomical, physiological, histological, genomic homology, and immunological similarity between pigs and humans make pigs a better model than traditional rodent species to study food allergies and intervention strategies. A subset of pigs naturally develop soy allergies making them an ideal model for soy allergies.