The Link Between Immune Sensing and Picky Eating
A study using mouse models of food allergy has found that allergic sensitization can lead to antigen-specific avoidance behavior. The ingestion of allergens activates brain areas associated with aversive stimuli, and this avoidance behavior is dependent on IgE antibodies and mast cells. The study also revealed that genetic background can influence the extent of avoidance behavior. These findings suggest that the immune system can modify behavior to promote the avoidance of unfavorable environments.