title: Genetic studies of atopy and atopic dermatitis.
abstract: Atopy and the atopic disorders are likely to result from multifactorial inheritance, with interaction between genetic and environmental factors. It has been proposed that at least two major mechanisms, non-antigen specific (total IgE levels) and antigen specific (specific IgE antibodies and skin tests), regulate the immune response to allergens in humans: firstly, a gene/genes independent of the human leucocyte antigen system which is involved in the regulation of total IgE levels, and secondly, a specific immune response gene/genes associated with major histocompatibility complex class II genes which are involved in antigen-specific mechanisms. Candidate genes have been proposed for both mechanisms and linkage has been found between atopy and at least three different gene loci. This paper reviews the evidence supporting a genetic basis for atopy and atopic dermatitis and outlines recent advances in the molecular genetic mapping of genes associated with these disorders.
authors.affiliation: St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Trembath
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Harper
mesh_terms: D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000235:genetics*; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000235:genetics*; D018433:Twin Studies as Topic
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens