24-1 |
|
V. GANGUR, Dept. of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Michigan State Univ., 302-B G. Malcolm Trout FSHN Bldg., East Lansing, MI 48824 Allergic (or atopic) disorders include a range of immune mediated conditions such as allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic dermatitis (or atopic eczema), food and drug allergies and anaphylaxis. They afflict a large number of individuals (>30% prevalence) of all ages and both gender. In general therapeutic methods are available for management of allergies. However, there is neither a cure nor an effective preventive method (e.g., a vaccine) available at present. In particular, food allergies are potentially fatal if untreated in a timely manner. Basic research in the past three decades has shown that induction of allergen specific T helper (Th)-2 immune response with consequent IgE dependent eosinophil, basophil and mast cell mediated tissue damage is the characteristic feature of most allergies. In contrast, clinical tolerance to allergens is associated with allergen specific Th1 responses. Consequently, novel preventive and/or therapeutic approaches to allergy have focused on (i) inhibiting Th2 response and/or (ii) promoting Th1 response or no response to allergens. Two of the novel therapeutic/prophylactic approaches currently being pursued include (i) targeting the chemokine system; and (ii) exposing the immune system to microbial-derived factors that promote Th1 immunity. The latter approach in principle is related to the ‘hygiene hypothesis’. The chemokine based approach for anti-allergy drug development and the origin of ‘hygiene hypothesis’ will be reviewed.
Session 24, Probiotics in health: Their potential against allergic diseases
|