Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Development of an in vitro model system for studying the interaction of Equus caballus IgE with its high-affinity receptor FcεRI
Published on: November 1, 2014
Is diesel the cause for the increase in allergic disease?
1Respiratory Cell & Molecular Biology Research Division, School of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, United Kingdom. parnis@soton.ac.uk
Learning Objectives:
The purpose of this review is to objectively critique available data regarding the role of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) in allergic disease. Readers of this review should understand the ways in which diesel particulates can affect human airways and the extent of the scientific data which are currently available.
Data Sources:
Data were obtained from published studies and reviews.
Study Selection:
The specific reviewed studies selected for this review met the following criteria: human and animal in vivo, in vitro, and pulmonary dosimetry studies, as well as epidemiologic studies to examine the role of DEPs and particulates on the airways.
Results:
The results of the published studies show that although DEPs may play a role in the increased levels of allergic disorders through a number of immunologic mechanisms, it remains to be proven whether it is responsible for the recent rise in the prevalence of asthma and other allergic disorders.
Conclusions:
Further studies in humans are needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which DEPs may be responsible for the increased prevalence of allergic disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Allergic Reactions
Allergic Drug Reactions
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Asthma-I: Introduction
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Asthma I: Introduction

