B cell memory of IgE responses in food allergy

High affinity IgE antibodies are essential mediators of food allergies. Most food allergies develop in childhood, and while some resolve spontaneously, others persist into adulthood. The formation of high affinity IgE antibodies to the allergenic food is central to the development of food allergy, and long-lasting B cell memory is responsible for allergy persistence. This article will review the current knowledge of the unique immune mechanisms involved in the generation of pathogenic IgE and of the memory B cells that sustain IgE responses.