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Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports 6/2010

01-11-2010

Fetal Epigenetic Mechanisms and Innate Immunity in Asthma

Authors: Petra Ina Pfefferle, Olaf Pinkenburg, Harald Renz

Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports | Issue 6/2010

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Abstract

Allergy and asthma are chronic inflammatory diseases that result from complex gene–environment interactions. Recent evidence points to the importance of prenatal and postnatal developmental processes in the maturation of balanced immune responses. Novel data indicate that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the development of T-helper–cell function. Environmental factors, including diesel exhaust particles, vitamins, and tobacco smoke, operate through such mechanisms. Furthermore, the role of environmental microbes provides another—and maybe an even more important—group of exogenous exposures that operate in this critical time frame. A better understanding of fetal immuno-maturation conditions will provide the basis for the development of novel allergo-protective clinical strategies.
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Metadata
Title
Fetal Epigenetic Mechanisms and Innate Immunity in Asthma
Authors
Petra Ina Pfefferle
Olaf Pinkenburg
Harald Renz
Publication date
01-11-2010
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 1529-7322
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6315
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-010-0147-6

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