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Review
. 2002;3(1):7.
doi: 10.1186/rr179. Epub 2001 Oct 31.

Interactions between genes and environmental factors in asthma and atopy: new developments

Claudia Sengler  1 , Susanne Lau, Ulrich Wahn, Renate Nickel
Affiliations
Review

Interactions between genes and environmental factors in asthma and atopy: new developments

Claudia Sengler et al. Respir Res. 2002.

Abstract

Asthma and associated phenotypes are complex traits most probably caused by an interaction of multiple disease susceptibility genes and environmental factors. Major achievements have occurred in identifying chromosomal regions and polymorphisms in candidate genes linked to or associated with asthma, atopic dermatitis, IgE levels and response to asthma therapy. The aims of this review are to explain the methodology of genetic studies of multifactorial diseases, to summarize chromosomal regions and polymorphisms in candidate genes linked to or associated with asthma and associated traits, to list genetic alterations that may alter response to asthma therapy, and to outline genetic factors that may render individuals more susceptible to asthma and atopy due to environmental changes.

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Figures

Supplementary Figure 1
Supplementary Figure 1
Simplified cartoon of the allergic inflammation showing the mechanisms and molecules involved starting from antigen-presentation to organ-specific allergic reactions. Outlined are most candidate genes for atopy-associated phenotypes that have been analyzed to date (superscript numbers refer to Supplementary Table 3). APC, antigen presenting cell; AG, antigen; B7, costimulatory molecule B7; CC16, Clara cell protein 16; CCR5, CC chemokine receptor 5; CD, cluster of differentiation; CD40L, CD40 ligand; ECP, eosinophilic cationic protein; FcεR1-β, Fc epsilon receptor 1 beta (IgE receptor); GSTP1, glutathione-S-transferase 1; HLA, human leukocyte antigen; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; IRF-1, interferon regulatory factor 1; LT, leukotriene; LTC4, leukotriene C4 synthase; MBP, major basic protein; NO, nitric oxide; PAF, platelet activating factor; RANTES, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted; STAT, signal transducer and activator of transcription; TCR, T-cell receptor; Th, T helper cell.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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