Gene and environment interplay in regulating immunotoxicity of different allergens

Abstract

Allergens can elicit immunotoxic effects in humans. It is often life-threatening and severe that influences the prevalence and course of allergic diseases like asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. Genetic as well as environmental factors may contribute to allergy and related physiological responses. The pathogenesis of asthma and allergy involves the interaction of genetic markers and environmental factors. Various toxic compounds like metals, foods, even certain kinds of drugs can elicit immunotoxicity. Asthma is subjected to inflammation of the airways; of which genes and environment both are responsible in an interactive way. The innate immunity genes particularly CD 14 and Toll like receptors TLR4 and TLR 2 play an important role on susceptibility to asthma and allergy. The genes interrelated to asthma have been found through Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) studies. There are other risk factors associated with allergic diseases which require long-term, effective therapeutic approaches as a treatment regimen. The present study is an attempt to highlight the immunological reactions of certain compounds and gene-environment interplay in developing the pathological symptoms associated with asthma.