IMMUNOGENETICS OF ALLERGY AND ASTHMA

Asthma and allergies are conditions that involve the interaction of ge netic and environmental factors such as allergen exposure (both time a nd amount). In addition, variables such as age, concurrent infections, and psychological factors promote variations in susceptibility. An un derstanding of all these factors enriches our understanding of allergi es and asthma as well as allows the development of rational methods fo r their prevention and management.