title: The potential role of chitin in allergic reactions.
abstract: Allergy, a potentially life-threatening condition, has at its heart an overly zealous T-helper type 2 response to environmental antigens. We are constantly flooded by potential allergens, both airborne and ingested. Although innocuous to some, common antigens can cause serious allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Chitin, a polymerized sugar and fundamental component of arthropods and fungi, is not commonly deemed a potential allergen but can cause sensitization through frequent exposure. A recent intriguing study has highlighted the role of chitin in allergic reactions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK.
authors.forename: Oliver T
authors.initials: OT
authors.lastname: Burton
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zaccone
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D002686:Chitin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology