Mechanisms of enhanced prevalence of asthma and atopy in developed countries.
Atopy--a T helper 2 cell driven hypersensitivity to innocuous antigens (allergens) which causes most cases of asthma-- is of complex genetic and environmental origins. There is compelling epidemiological evidence for a rise in atopic disease in 'westernised' communities. The changing pattern of microbial exposure in early childhood is suggested to be the principal candidate mechanism for this rise.
Hopkin
J M
JM
Lung Research Laboratory, Osler Chest Unit, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK. jhopkin@immsvr.jr2.ox.ac.uk
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D019049:Developed Countries; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
D000485:Allergens