Eosinophilic Esophagitis Pathogenesis: All Clear?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a food- and aeroallergen-driven, type 2-mediated chronic inflammation that develops in genetically predisposed individuals with an impaired esophageal epithelial barrier. How pollutants, including detergents, the esophageal microbiome, immunity, and genetics trigger the multifaceted pathophysiology of EoE is not clear.

This review summarizes and discusses recent findings concerning the possible contribution of the environment/exposome, the esophageal microbiome, genetics, immunity, and epithelial barrier integrity to developing esophageal type 2 inflammation and fibrosis in EoE. After summarizing the current literature, we formulate research questions that we consider relevant to EoE.

The anticipated progress in preclinical EoE animal models, primary cell culture technologies, sequencing technologies, and clinical trials, driven by academic research and the pharmaceutical industry, is poised to revolutionize our understanding of EoE. These advancements may uncover novel pathways that can be targeted for EoE treatment, inspiring hope for improved patient quality of life.