Team:Linkoping Sweden/Project/Context

A food allergy is defined by FARE¹ (Food Allergy Research and Education) as a misguided over-reaction by the immune system to a foreign substance usually harmless for others. This exaggerated immune response is mediated by immunoglobulin antibodies (IgE antibodies) which are proteins produced by the immune system to fight foreign substances. IgE antibodies trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction, which can vary in severity from slight itchiness to potentially fatal anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, reduced blood pressure).

A person living with a food allergy is under constant threat from hidden allergens in anything they consume, wear, or even breathe. It is generally considered that peanut allergies are amongst the most dangerous of allergies due to the severity of the symptoms despite minimal contact and the fact that peanut allergies are often life-long^{2 3}. Peanut allergies amongst children have risen at alarming rates, tripling between 1997 and 2008 in the United States⁴. Other countries, like Canada Australia, and the UK have observed similar trends^{5 6}.

So what exactly is it that triggers the allergic response from the peanut allergen?