Food allergens are typically naturally - occurring proteins in foods or derivatives of them that cause abnormal immune responses. (allergenbureau.net)
Past studies have suggested that this kind of damage is associated with abnormal immune responses in the liver, but very little was known about the molecules and cells that contribute to fibrosis. (sciencedaily.com)
Abnormal immune responses lead to inflammation in the digestive tract lining causing several disorders, the most common of which are Crohn's disease (usually affecting the small intestine) and ulcerative colitis (restricted to the colon). (scientificamerican.com)