Genetics of allergic disease

Atopy can express itself as asthma, rhinitis and eczema. The presence of at opy can be assessed by increased levels of total serum IgE and specific IgE to common allergens, skin test positivity and increased numbers of periphe ral blood eosinophils. Genetic studies indicate that multiple genes are inv olved in the pathogenesis of atopy and that different genes regulate the pr esence of increased levels of serum total IgE and specific IgE. Linkage of these traits to chromosomal regions likely to contain atopic susceptibility genes has been replicated in several studies. Genome-wide screens have ide ntified several new chromosomal locations that are likely to contain atopic genes. These regions also contain candidate genes. Moreover, the available literature suggests that multiple, yet different genes may be involved in the translation of atopy to a distinct clinical phenotype. We anticipate th at understanding of the genetic basis of atopy will lead to new therapeutic interventions and early diagnosis.