The hygiene hypothesis: an evolutionary perspective.
The hygiene hypothesis relies on the assumption that humans have adapted to a pathogen-rich environment that no longer exists in industrialized societies. Recent advances in molecular immunology and population genetics allow deeper insight into the evolution and co-evolution of host-pathogen interactions and, therefore, into the foundations of the hygiene hypothesis.
Sironi
Manuela
M
Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bioinformatics, Via don L. Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini (LC), Italy. manuela.sironi@bp.lnf.it
Clerici
Mario
M
D005075:Biological Evolution; D005828:Genetics, Population; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D012641:Selection, Genetic