New genetic and pathogenetic aspects of atopy

In studies of dog atopy, we have found that the high IgE responder status is inherited in a dominant manner. However, various environmental factors are required in addition to allow full expression of the gene. Such are a very early contact with some allergen to start the IgE response, allergen administration by injection and the absence of feeding with allergen during the first months of life. These observations show that the late determination of the allergic phenotype does not enable to make correct conclusions about the atopic genotype. Various factors which drive the dogs to IgE responses and atopy appear also to play a role in man.