Homing Receptor Expression on Cord Blood T Lymphocytes and the Development of Atopic Eczema in Infants

Expression of the gut-homing receptor integrin αEβ7, but not cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA), on milk allergen-stimulated cord blood T lymphocytes precedes the development of milk-induced eczema in early infancy. The data indicate the involvement of integrin αEβ7 in the development of infantile allergic eczema and provide a clue to the avoidance of specific allergens and novel therapy targeting homing receptors in food allergy.