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Mycobacteria, genes and the 'hygiene hypothesis'
Joost J Smit1, Gert Folkerts, Frans P Nijkamp
1Department of Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|April 20, 2004
Summary
Mycobacteria show promise in reducing allergic diseases and asthma, potentially serving as an
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- Microbiology
Background:
- The hygiene hypothesis links improved sanitation to increased allergic diseases.
- Lack of microbial exposure may disrupt immune balance (T helper responses, regulatory mechanisms).
- Specific infectious agents driving the hygiene hypothesis remain unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mycobacteria in the context of the hygiene hypothesis.
- To explore mycobacteria as potential modulators of allergic and asthmatic conditions.
- To reconcile conflicting findings regarding mycobacteria and human allergic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal models investigating mycobacterial effects on immune responses.
- Analysis of human studies examining the relationship between mycobacterial infection/treatment and allergy/asthma.
- Synthesis of evidence to evaluate mycobacteria's therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- Animal studies support mycobacteria's role in the hygiene hypothesis, demonstrating immune restoration.
- Human studies present controversial and unclear evidence regarding mycobacteria's impact on allergy and asthma.
- Mycobacteria exhibit a clear capacity to reduce allergic and asthmatic manifestations in certain contexts.
Conclusions:
- Mycobacteria may function as an 'anti-asthma' vaccine, reducing allergic and asthmatic symptoms.
- Human results highlight the complex interplay of genetics and environment in allergic disease development.
- The hygiene hypothesis must incorporate individual genetic and environmental factors for a comprehensive understanding.