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Skin barrier function and allergic risk

Nature Genetics volume 38, pages 399–400 (2006)Cite this article

A new study reports that two common loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin are important risk factors for atopic dermatitis, and interestingly, for asthma in association with atopic dermatitis, but not asthma in the absence of atopic dermatitis. These findings suggest the importance of the epidermal barrier in preventing sensitization to allergens.

Distinguishing the primary causes of allergic disorders from secondary host responses is challenging owing to the multiplicity of factors that correlate with allergies, such as prenatal and childhood exposures to foods, toxins (tobacco and endotoxins) and viruses and the complex interplay of host-related processes, including immune and psychoneural responses. Genetic studies have the potential to identify a subset of primary risk factors and mechanisms that lead to disease1. On page 441 of this issue, Palmer et al.2 establish the importance of the skin barrier in preventing allergic responses by correlating DNA variants that disrupt the epidermal layer of the skin with predisposition to atopic dermatitis and, secondarily, to the development of asthma.

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Figure 1: Skin barrier function and allergic risk.

Katie Ris

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. AllerGen Network and McGill University and Genome Québec Innovation Centre, Montreal, Canada

    Thomas J Hudson

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  1. Thomas J Hudson
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Hudson, T. Skin barrier function and allergic risk. Nat Genet 38, 399–400 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng0406-399

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ng0406-399

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