Are we getting enough allergens?
This paper proposes that reduced allergen exposure is one of the factors underlying the higher risk of IgE-mediated allergic disease in populations with an urbanized, westernized, and affluent lifestyle. This lower allergen exposure results in the failure to induce and maintain immune tolerance to common environmental allergens. The paper summarizes different lines of evidence that may support or contradict this hypothesis and points to areas where more knowledge is needed.
Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Capital Region of Denmark, Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark. alli@glo.regionh.dk
Allan
A
Linneberg
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D008019:Life Style; D014507:Urbanization
D000485:Allergens