Allergy and autoimmunity: parallels and dissimilarity: the yin and yang of immunopathology

The etiopathogenesis of allergy and autoimmune diseases is caused by genetic and acquired (environmental) factors, which might be common to both immunopathologies. Genetic factors play an important role in the development and process of immunopathological diseases. Several studies suggest a close relation between gene polymorphism of HLA and cytokines and development of autoimmunity and allergy. Certain gene polymorphisms act as risk or as protective factors. The infection also plays an important role in the induction of allergy and autoimmunity--as a trigger or as a protective factor. Moreover, similar clinical manifestations of both immunopathologies could result in diagnostic problems. This review summarizes the linkage of mechanisms of etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations and therapeutic strategy between allergic and autoimmune diseases.