Selected inborn errors of immunity associated with severe atopic phenotypes: Implications for the practicing allergist.

Abstract

Background: Food allergies and inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) were once viewed as distinct disorders-hypersensitivity vs infection susceptibility. However, IEIs are now recognized to include immune dysregulation with autoimmunity, autoinflammation, lymphoproliferation, and severe atopy. Understanding the overlap between food allergies and IEIs is critical, given that allergic inflammation often complicates immune deficiencies.

Objective: To evaluate the shared immunologic mechanisms linking food allergies and IEIs, with a focus on immune dysregulation, barrier defects, microbial dysbiosis, and impaired regulatory T cell (Treg) function.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed applying search terms including food allergy, primary immunodeficiency, IEI, Treg cells, immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, autoinflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and microbiome. Particular focus was placed on identifying studies describing monogenic IEIs characterized by severe allergic phenotypes and elevated IgE levels. Articles were selected on the basis of relevance to the themes of the review, quality of study design, and their contribution to advancing understanding in the field. Priority was given to original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and key historical studies.

Results: Allergic symptoms, including food allergy and atopic dermatitis, frequently present early in IEIs and may precede infection susceptibility. Common features include Treg dysfunction, cytokine signaling defects, epithelial barrier compromise, and microbiome alterations. Recognition of these pathways has enhanced diagnosis and led to targeted therapies such as biologics and gene therapy.

Conclusion: Treg cells are central to maintaining immune tolerance across allergic, autoimmune, and immunodeficient states. Advances in understanding dysregulated immunity and barrier defects are driving personalized treatment strategies for patients with both food allergy and IEIs.