Figure 1.

Areas of active research in food allergy. Schematic representation of the current knowledge and major areas of active research in the field of food allergy. In the upper three boxes, endogenous and exogenous factors are listed that are important for the development of food allergy at subsequent stages of life. A combination of those factors, together with route and timing of exposure, decides on tolerance, sensitization or clinical food allergy: from primary food allergy early in life to continued primary, and new cross-reactive food allergies later in childhood and adolescence. Most of these factors differ and evolve along socio-economic gradients across the world, providing a wealth of real-life data. Combination of multi-source data is required for better phenotyping and endo-typing of food allergic patients, using novel biomarkers and diagnostic tests and algorithms. Progress in these fields of translational research will lead to improved prevention, treatment, and management of food allergy.