Epicutaneous Tolerance Induction to a Bystander Antigen Abrogates Colitis and Ileitis in Mice.

Background: Although inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a failure in maintaining tolerance to the intestinal microbiota, few studies have investigated the use of immunologic tolerance as a treatment approach for IBD. We hypothesized that induction of immune tolerance at a distal site could suppress intestinal inflammation through a process of bystander regulation.

Methods: Epicutaneous tolerance was induced by topical application of ovalbumin (OVA) using a Viaskin patch for 48 hours.

Triclosan promotes epicutaneous sensitization to peanut in mice.

Background: Peanut allergy is increasing in prevalence due to unknown factors. A growing body of clinical evidence suggests sensitization to peanut occurs through the skin, supported by findings in mouse models. There is a need to identify environmental factors that promote epicutaneous sensitization to peanut.