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Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
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The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
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Human fear responses to certain stimuli, such as darkness, heights, deep water, and blood, can often arise despite the absence of direct negative experiences. This phenomenon is rooted in evolutionary psychology, which posits that humans have developed a predisposition to fear stimuli that historically posed significant survival threats. This predisposition, known as preparedness, suggests that early humans who developed a fear of potentially dangerous entities, such as venomous snakes and...
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Development of an in vitro model system for studying the interaction of Equus caballus IgE with its high-affinity receptor FcεRI
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The hygiene hypothesis for allergy - conception and evolution.

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This summary is machine-generated.

Children from larger families have less hay fever, supporting the hygiene hypothesis for allergy. Early exposure to microbes may prevent allergies, but the exact mechanism remains unclear.

Keywords:
allergy epidemicbirth orderhay fever (H.F)hygienehygiene hypothesismicrobiome

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology
  • Allergy Research

Background:

  • The hygiene hypothesis for allergy originated from observations linking smaller family size to increased hay fever prevalence.
  • This hypothesis suggests early exposure to infection protects against allergy development.
  • The concept has evolved over 30 years, incorporating ideas like the Th1/Th2 paradigm and 'immunological old friends'.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical development of the hygiene hypothesis for allergy.
  • To explore the link between family size, farming, and allergy prevalence.
  • To discuss the ongoing search for underlying mechanisms explaining these associations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on family size, farming, and allergy.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data supporting the hygiene hypothesis.
  • Examination of proposed immunological and environmental mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Consistent association between larger sibship size and reduced hay fever risk.
  • Children from farms show a significantly lower prevalence of hay fever.
  • Despite extensive research, specific microbial or environmental factors explaining these effects are not definitively identified.

Conclusions:

  • The hygiene hypothesis has fundamentally shifted understanding of immune system development and microbial exposure.
  • Early life exposure, rather than avoidance, appears beneficial for immune health.
  • The precise mechanisms driving allergy prevalence variations with family size and farming exposure remain elusive.