title: The role of epigenetic mediation and the future of food allergy research.
abstract: IgE-mediated food allergy is a developing global health problem with prevalence rising at alarmingly fast rates. In this review, we discuss the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and environmental exposures in the pathogenesis of food allergies. We aim to highlight the most recent evidence that suggests how epigenetic control may mediate genetic susceptibility of food allergies. We also examine how epigenetic modifications may be the key in explaining how environmental factors modulate and modify gene expression, leading to the dysregulation of immune tolerance and consequently, the development of food allergies. The emerging epigenetic paradigm in food allergies is likely to provide new mechanistic insight into food allergy risk and development as well as shape our therapeutic and preventive strategies.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 269 Campus Dr, CCSR Building, Rm 3215, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. Electronic address: cquake@mail.med.upenn.edu.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Quake
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 269 Campus Dr, CCSR Building, Rm 3215, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. Electronic address: knadeau@stanford.edu.
authors.forename: Kari C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Nadeau
mesh_terms: D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E
keywords: Early exposure; Environmental factors; Epigenetics; Food allergies; Immune tolerance; Immunotherapy