Are specific allergen sensitivities inherited?
A family history of an allergic condition is a well-accepted risk factor for the development of an allergic condition in an individual, particularly for allergic disorders such as asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis. However, the question of whether specific allergen sensitization is inherited requires a complicated answer, as environmental exposure plays an important role in the development of allergen-specific IgE. This article summarizes the findings of recent studies in the literature regarding what is known about the inheritance of specific allergens. Overall, properly collected and analyzed data appear to both support and refute the hypothesis that specific allergen sensitization is inherited, even when attempting to account for the complexities of varying study methodologies and the evaluation of diverse populations and communities.
Misiak
Rana Tawil
RT
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Henry Ford Health System, One Ford Place 4B, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. rmisiak1@hfhs.org
Wegienka
Ganesa
G
Zoratti
Edward
E
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D007114:Immunization; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology
D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E