The genetics of asthma.
The genetic approach to asthma has revealed a few candidate genes. Among them, special attention is given to the association between chromosome 5q and various cytokines and also to chromosome 11q and the IgE receptor. A mutation in chromosome 5 enhances interleukin-4 activity, which increases IgE synthesis by plasma cells. Polymorphism in the beta chain of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FC epsilonRI-beta) is considered to play a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Increased IgE, caused by both mutations, is responsible for inflammatory allergic reactions. A possible link between genetics and asthma has been suggested, although some studies could not confirm an association. Further study of the candidate genes may allow at-risk individuals to be tested and new treatments to be developed.
Kim
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HS
Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance 90509, USA.
Tsai
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PB
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D001249:Asthma / Q000235:genetics*; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D002880:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11; D002895:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D017455:Receptors, IgE / Q000235:genetics
D016207:Cytokines; D017455:Receptors, IgE