The Role of Lipids in Allergic Sensitization: A Systematic Review

Fairclough, Lucy; Hopkins V, Georgina; Cochrane, Stella; Onion, David

Abstract

Background
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergies are increasing in prevalence, with IgE-mediated food allergies currently affecting up to 10% of children and 6% of adults worldwide. The mechanisms underpinning the first phase of IgE-mediated allergy, allergic sensitization, are still not clear. Recently, the potential involvement of lipids in allergic sensitization has been proposed, with reports that they can bind allergenic proteins and act on immune cells to skew to a T helper type 2 (Th2) response. The objective of this systematic review is to determine if there is strong evidence for the role of lipids in allergic sensitization.

Methods
19 studies were reviewed, 10 of which were relevant to lipids in allergic sensitization to food allergens, 9 relevant to lipids in aeroallergen sensitization.

Results
The results provide strong evidence for the role of lipids in allergies. Intrinsic lipids, lipid-ligands and membrane-bound lipids from allergen sources can both drive and inhibit allergic sensitization through various mechanisms. Proposed mechanisms included reducing the gastrointestinal degradation of allergenic proteins by altering protein structure, reducing dendritic cell (DC) uptake of allergenic proteins to reduce immune tolerance, regulating Th2 cytokines, activating invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells through CD1d presentation, and directly acting upon toll-like receptors (TLRs), epithelial cells, keratinocytes, and DCs.

Conclusion
The current literature suggests intrinsic lipids are key influencers of allergic sensitization. Further research utilising human relevantin vitro models and clinical studies are needed to give a reliable account of the role of lipids in allergic sensitization.

Citation

Fairclough, L., Hopkins V, G., Cochrane, S., & Onion, D. (2024). The Role of Lipids in Allergic Sensitization: A Systematic Review

• Working Paper Type: Preprint
• Publication Date: Jan 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jun 2, 2025
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.170669636.68322263/v1
• Keywords: Lipids, allergic sensitization, allergen, NKT cells, adjuvant.
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/30665159
• Publisher URL: https://www.authorea.com/users/738616/articles/712779-the-role-of-lipids-in-allergic-sensitization-a-systematic-review?commit=7a4cfd4aa7c76e42a8159f72e389d66afa1fceee