The epidemic of allergy and asthma

Abstract

Allergic diseases, such as asthma, rhinitis, eczema and food allergies, are reaching epidemic proportions in both the developed and developing world. Key factors driving these rising trends are increased exposure to sensitizing allergens and reduced stimulation of the immune system during critical periods of development. In allergic disease, there is a polarization of T-lymphocyte responses, and enhanced secretion of cytokines involved in regulation of immunoglobulin E, mast cells, basophils and eosinophils, ultimately leading to inflammation and disease. A clear understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of allergic disease and the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors will undoubtedly create new opportunities for public health and therapeutic interventions.

A stage‐specific functional role of the leucine zipper transcription factor c‐Maf in lung Th2 cell differentiation

“…This is consistent with the increased number and activation state of eosinophils through IL-5 receptor signaling in the airways of c-maf-Tg mice. The interactions of eosinophils and bronchial epithelial cells are important for the development of asthma and are mediated by chemokines like cationic granule proteins, MBP, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) derived from eosinophils, and eotaxin derived from bronchial epithelial cells after challenge with IL-13 [4,5,[27][28][29]. However, upon OVA sensitization, c-maf-Tg mice showed in fact reduced IL-5 production as compared to wild-type mice, suggesting stage-specific effects of c-Maf overexpression on IL-5 and Th2 cytokine production by lung T cells.…”

“…The development of allergic immune responses and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), such as in allergic asthma, is believed to be mediated by CD4 + effector T helper 2 (Th2) cells [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. In contrast to Th1 cells, which produce large amounts of IFN-c, Th2 cells are known to produce the signature cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 [5,[9][10].…”

“…Whereas IL-4 plays a central role in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated responses, IL-5 is crucial for eosinophil recruitment and activation, which is observed during the late asthmatic reaction [3,9,11]. Th2 cells develop from naive T cells under the influence of IL-4 produced by Tand non-T cells such as IgE-activated mast cells [4,9]. IL-4 activates the transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-6 and GATA-3 in T cells, and the latter induces production of Th2 cytokine genes by chromatin remodeling and promoter transactivation [9,[12][13][14].…”

Atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome – a genetically complex disease. New advances in discovering the genetic contribution

“…Environmental allergen levels are probably the major determinant of whether sensitization of genetically predisposed individuals occurs. Increased exposure to sensitizing allergens and reduced stimulation of the immune system during critical periods of development (11) are seen as the main factors driving the rising prevalence of allergic diseases. The IgEmediated antigen presentation of (aero-) allergens has been recognized as a key event in the pathogenesis of AEDS (12).…”

Targeting epidermal Langerhans cells by epidermal powder immunization

“…Recent studies suggest that allergy and asthma are due to eosinophilic inflammation of the airway mediated by Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-13 etc) (Fig 1) in response to environmental stimulants [30]. Airway DCs are believed to play an important role in the sensitization to asthma [31], [32].…”