MMP9 and food allergy: Because pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ and TNF-α, are important inducers of foam cell formation and fibrous cap degradation (via overexpression of the metalloprotein MMP9), the moderate Th2 response induced by food allergy could prevent the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis and impair the development of more advanced atherosclerotic lesions even in the presence of high levels of cholesterol.