Mast cells, eosinophils, and gastrointestinal hypersensitivity

Gastrointestinal (GI) hypersensitivity is an immunologic hyperresponsiveness of the GI tract to specific antigens. These antigens can be in the form of food, products of infectious agents, or inappropriately presented self antigens. This article covers the development and implications of GI hypersensitivity. The spectrum of GI hypersensitivity, the causes of gut hyperresponsiveness, and the functional and pathologic implications at intestinal and extraintestinal sites are considered. Finally, current concepts of therapeutic intervention are outlined and future research directions into the causes, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of GI hypersensitivity are discussed.