The invention relates to newly identified peptides of that are capable of inducing tolerance to cows milk, especially to β-lactoglobulin. The peptides may be administered to mammals, especially to young infants who are at risk of allergy to cows milk proteins, to induce oral tolerance to cows milk they may also be administered to children or adults who are allergic to cows milk to allow “desensitization” towards the allergenic milk proteins, especially β-lactoglobulin, to occur. The peptides may also be used to induce tolerance to goats and buffalos milk proteins, especially β-lactoglobulin. The peptides are capable of modulating the mammalian immune response to allergens.