Publication

Microbiome and Allergy

Nicola Harris
2016
Book chapter
Abstract

Allergic diseases including asthma, rhinitis, and food allergies affect an ever-increasing number of patients particularly in industrialized countries. Despite a role for genetic susceptibility in the development of allergies, environmental factors are increasingly recognized as being central to allergy pathogenesis. In particular, a lifestyle characterized by high hygiene standards, an excessive use of antibiotics, and the consumption of highly processed foods has been associated with a high incidence of allergic diseases. This association has led to the postulation of the ‘hygiene hypothesis,’ stating that our immune system needs to be educated by microbes to induce tolerance to harmless and self-antigens, while retaining responsiveness to pathogens. In recent years, studies using animal models of allergy have provided direct evidence that the microbiome provides protection against allergic responses. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this immune-modulatory role of the microbiome in allergy is still very limited. Ongoing research efforts are beginning to uncover microbial species, metabolites, and signaling pathways instrumental in the protection against allergy. The translation of these results into human disease settings and their use for the development of future therapeutics are important goals of current allergy and microbiome research. However, already today, we can appreciate that the delicate crosstalk between our immune system and our microbiome warrants a careful reevaluation of our lifestyle particularly with regard to our diet, time spent outdoors, as well as the use of antibiotics. This article will summarize the most important and recent insights into the relationship between the microbiome and allergy

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Related concepts (34)
Allergy
Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are various conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to typically harmless substances in the environment. These diseases include hay fever, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include red eyes, an itchy rash, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, shortness of breath, or swelling. Note that food intolerances and food poisoning are separate conditions. Common allergens include pollen and certain foods.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, of which the seasonal type is called hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes. The fluid from the nose is usually clear. Symptom onset is often within minutes following allergen exposure, and can affect sleep and the ability to work or study.
Food allergy
A food allergy is an abnormal immune response to food. The symptoms of the allergic reaction may range from mild to severe. They may include itchiness, swelling of the tongue, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, trouble breathing, or low blood pressure. This typically occurs within minutes to several hours of exposure. When the symptoms are severe, it is known as anaphylaxis. A food intolerance and food poisoning are separate conditions, not due to an immune response.
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