The hypothesis is that the reduced production of regulatory cells might result in failure to establish immune tolerance within the intestine, allowing any potentially food-reactive lymphocyte to respond unchecked.

You will use the technique of flow cytometry to examine the immune response of proinflammatory and regulatory lymphocytes from children with or without food allergies before and after challenge with cow's milk protein.

You will need flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization.

The results indicated that the major difference in children with food allergy was the deficiency of a regulatory lymphocyte population, rather than the excess of proinflammatory cells. This regulatory population, called TH3 cells, produce a cytokine (TGF-beta) which inhibits the activation of all other cells in the locality.

This science project is interesting and unique because it examines the immunological mechanisms behind cow's milk sensitivity, which is a common food allergy in children.

Experiment variations to consider include examining the immune response of proinflammatory and regulatory lymphocytes from adults with or without food allergies before and after challenge with cow's milk protein, or examining the immune response of proinflammatory and regulatory lymphocytes from children with or without food allergies before and after challenge with other food proteins.