Regulation of allergic responses to chemicals and drugs: possible roles of epigenetic mechanisms.
There is increasing evidence that epigenetic regulation of gene expression plays a pivotal role in the orchestration of immune and allergic responses. Such regulatory mechanisms have potentially important implications for the acquisition of sensitization to chemical and drug allergens; and in determining the vigor, characteristics, and longevity of allergic responses. Importantly, the discovery of long-lasting epigenetic alterations in specific immunoregulatory genes provides a mechanistic basis for immune cell memory, and thereby the potential of chemical allergens to influence the subsequent orientation of the adaptive immune system. In this article, we consider the implications of epigenetic mechanisms for the development of sensitization to chemical and drug allergens and the form that allergic reactions will take.
Discovery and Investigative Safety, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4057, Switzerland. jonathan.moggs@novartis.com
Jonathan G
JG
Moggs
Rémi
R
Terranova
Michael E
ME
Kammüller
Salah-Dine
SD
Chibout
Victoria
V
Chapman
Rebecca J
RJ
Dearman
Ian
I
Kimber
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology* / Q000633:toxicity; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D007114:Immunization; D015262:Xenobiotics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000633:toxicity
D000485:Allergens; D015262:Xenobiotics