Recent aspects on the genetics of respiratory allergic diseases

The genetics of atopy and asthma is a fascinating area of research which has made tremendous progresses over the last couple of years. It has been known for ages that allergies and asthma are concentrating within families. Modern genetics has pinpointed some gene areas such as 5q31.1, 6p21.3, 11q13, 12q15 and 14q11.1. To do so, a crucial step is the definition of the phenotypes. Once the phenotype is set up (which is not an easy task), familial aggregation and segregation studies can be performed. These familial studies allow molecular genetics and linkage analysis. Both candidate gene approach and genome-wide search have been utilized in the genetic of atopy and asthma. Much of the information available today has been fragmentary and not always confirmed. Alleles at multiple loci are likely to be involved and the ultimate picture is most likely determined by many genetic and environmental factors.