Question: What is the immunological basis for the development of food allergy-associated anaphylaxis?
Answer: The cited reference states: “Food allergy–associated anaphylaxis is an IgE-mediated reaction. In a previously sensitized person with food-specific IgE on mast cells and basophils, the food allergen is ingested and absorbed into the local tissue and then cross-links IgE, resulting in immediate release of preformed mediators. This immune response is rapid; the onset of symptoms typically occurs within 5 to 60 after exposure to the food. (Jones SM and Burke AW. Food allergy. 2017 NEJM 377:1168-1176)
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